In his first interview since his appointment as Prime Minister, Michel Barnier announced his desire to improve pension reform and promised ‘concrete measures’ to control migratory flows while respecting the budgetary framework.
In an interview with the TF1 French television channel on Friday evening, the newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier revealed little about his intentions as head of the future French government, which is currently being formed.
The new occupant of the Elysée Palace acknowledged that his mission would be perilous “because of the unprecedented situation” in the National Assembly, which is now divided into three major blocs.
This has significance as the left-wing New Popular Front has already promised to table a vote of no confidence.
Barnier insists that his team “will not be just a right-wing government.” He also confirmed that outgoing ministers could be part of the new government while remaining open to appointing ministers from other backgrounds. “I have never been sectarian,” he said.
As a gesture of conciliation, Barnier announced his intention to reopen the debate on pension reform, which the left and far-right are planning to dismantle.
However, he made it clear that the new government is not going to call everything into question and the existing law will remain in place.
On the other hand, Barnier confirmed his intention to open the debate on “improving” the reform.
He also indicated that he would engage with civil society, whom he believes needs to be listened to more carefully, and promised to meet with MPs and senators to discuss the subject.
“Nobody has monopoly on good ideas”
Barnier also drew a red line and said “I want to undertake an improvement while respecting the budgetary framework because I do not want to increase the debt of the country nor increase its deficit.” The deficit he is talking about is around 5.6% of GDP when it should be below 3% according to European rules.
In a bid to calm the anger of the left, who strongly opposed his appointment, Barnier declared that he was not against “greater tax justice”, suggesting that he would approve some tax increases.
The former Brexit negotiator also promised to better “control migratory flows,“ as he had pledged to do during his brief run as a candidate ahead of the 2022 presidential election.
Although he did not repeat the word “moratorium” on immigration, he promised “concrete measures” and stated that “nobody has a monopoly on good ideas,“ signalling that he is ready to implement some far-right ideas to the problem. “We are going to deal with the problem in a rigorous and humanist way,” he added.
“The President must preside, the government must govern”
As for a possible reform of the electoral law introducing a proportional share, Barnier said that he had “no red line” but that discussion is needed with “all the political groups.“
Finally, when asked about his relationship with Emmanuel Macron, Barnier said that he respected the presidential office and the man who embodies it. However, he also firmly stated that “the President must preside, the government must govern”.
