Paris, October 2, 2024 – The Europe Today: In his inaugural address to parliament, Prime Minister Michel Barnier outlined his economic agenda, calling for a combination of higher taxes and spending cuts to address France’s budget deficit. The veteran conservative, known for his role as the EU’s Brexit negotiator, emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility as his newly formed minority government faces its first significant challenge.
“Our aim is to reduce the deficit to 5% of GDP by 2025, putting us on track to meet the 3% ceiling by 2029,” Barnier stated, acknowledging that this timeline is two years behind the European Union’s original target. The proposed measures are designed to balance fiscal discipline with sustainable growth.
This policy shift marks a pivotal moment for Barnier’s government, as it seeks to navigate economic recovery while maintaining EU commitments.
