French Prime Minister Bayrou Proposes Budget Reforms Amid Rising Political Pressures
On Monday, French Prime Minister François Bayrou reached out to both left and right political factions, proposing essential reforms related to France's 2025 budgets in light of the current economic and political climate. During an extensive interview on LCI television, the Prime Minister warned against being 'hypnotized' by the allure of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, both of whom he views as potential threats to democratic values.
Bayrou expressed a willingness to amend pension reforms while aiming to shield individual taxpayers from increased taxes. His proposals included raising taxes for the wealthiest individuals and large corporations—a key demand from the Socialist Party to gain their support for the budget. Additionally, he confirmed the commitment to hiring 4,000 new teachers and announced a 12 billion euro increase in Social Security funding.
Addressing the ongoing unions and employers discussions regarding pensions, Bayrou signaled openness to concessions related to retirement age, particularly in challenging job sectors. However, he reaffirmed that defense and security spending would maintain its current trajectory and emphasized a strengthened approach to illegal immigration. He outlined that policies to penalize minors aged 16 and 17 would be intensified, aligning with conservative priorities.
In a notable move toward the far-right, Bayrou criticized the judicial proceedings against Marine Le Pen, the National Rally leader, who is facing allegations of illegal party financing. Bayrou described the process as unfair and reflected on his own similar experiences, from which he was acquitted.
On immigration, he ruled out the possibility of a referendum but acknowledged the rising public sentiment regarding undocumented immigrants in certain regions. He mentioned a contentious proposal for the island of Mayotte, contemplating the revocation of citizenship rights for children born there to prevent individuals from traveling specifically to give birth.
The Prime Minister assured that France would advocate for the repatriation of undocumented migrants by pressuring their countries of origin.
Despite these adjustments, Bayrou is confident that a better reorganization of public spending can balance the budget without resorting to social cuts. He reminded viewers that the upcoming budget would be evaluated by a parity commission led by the right and center, emphasizing a cooperative approach within the government.
In discussing broader implications, Bayrou raised alarms about the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House and his close advisor, Elon Musk. He condemned Musk's influence, stating that wealth should not dictate governance. The Prime Minister insisted that France and Europe must confront Trump's policies proactively or risk marginalization.
Bayrou's address highlighted the urgency for France to consolidate its strengths and capabilities rather than being enamored with foreign ideologies. In a clarion call for self-reliance and societal resilience, he declared, 'The wealth is within us if we are able to activate it,' urging a communal awakening to embrace their potentials against external influences.
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