Prime Minister Michel Barnier made his first public statement since announcing his government on Saturday night. During an interview on France 2 on Sunday, September 22, he outlined the priorities for his government, including the recovery of public finances, and reassured the public on other issues such as societal topics and taxes. Barnier emphasized the importance of cohesion and fraternity within his government, stating that they are not in a cohabitation situation, as the parliamentary majority supporting the government has been aligned with the President for seven years.
He reassured that there will be no rollback on social or societal progress laws, such as those regarding IVF, abortion rights, and LGBT rights. Barnier pledged to protect these acquired rights and ensure their preservation. Additionally, he acknowledged the need for solidarity in addressing the country’s financial challenges, suggesting that wealthier individuals and multinational corporations could contribute to the national recovery effort through targeted tax increases.
On the topic of retirement reforms, Barnier expressed his willingness to trust social partners to improve the existing legislation. He highlighted the importance of listening, dialogue, and respectful consultation, drawing on his experience with the creation of the National Commission for Public Debate in 1995. In terms of immigration policy, Barnier advocated for a stricter approach with a balance of firmness and humanity, in line with the strategy set by the new Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau.
Barnier also addressed the issue of healthcare, announcing that mental health would be the national focus for 2025. The mental health sector in France is facing a crisis with a high number of vacant positions for healthcare practitioners and dwindling bed capacities, despite a significant increase in patient numbers over the past two decades. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to address this issue and acknowledged the challenges posed by fraud in fiscal and social welfare systems.
In conclusion, Barnier outlined his government’s intentions to tackle various pressing issues, including social legislation, taxation, retirement reforms, immigration, and mental health. Despite facing criticism and concerns about the composition of his government, he expressed determination to lead with unity and compromise to address the country’s challenges effectively. By prioritizing key areas such as public finances and societal rights, Barnier aims to navigate the complexities of governance and uphold the values of solidarity and progress.
