the Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, shows his support for businesses

2024-11-21 01:11:00
The Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, at the National Assembly, in Paris, October 22, 2024. STEPHANIE LECOCQ / REUTERS

After the Senate’s reduction in reductions in employer contributions in the Social Security budget (PLFSS), the Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, warns of the temptation to want to tax businesses more.

These latter “must not be the adjustment variable”he warns in an interview with Parisian, published Wednesday, November 20 in the evening.

The elimination of reductions in charges, even reduced to 3 billion euros by the Senate on Tuesday evening – compared to 4 billion in the initial text of the Social Security budget project (PLFSS) – displeases businesses and the Macronist camp, because they appear to go against the supply policy sustained almost without fail since 2017.

“My political family carries a message: it is not by bludgeoning businesses and increasing labor costs that we create jobs and growth”remarks Mr. Armand. “The EPR group [Ensemble pour la République] is right to insist: we must go as far as possible to preserve contribution reductions”he continues, adding: “Be careful of the excess tax! »while the idea of ​​an increase in the mobility payment, an employer contribution to the financing of public transport, is looming.

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“I am Michel Barnier’s minister and above all I belong to the Ensemble pour la République family. Let’s stop being afraid of words: we are in a coalition. This means that political forces that don’t agree on everything work together.”he adds in particular about the sticking points between Michel Barnier and the EPR deputies.

A “fair and responsible” interview, judge Gabriel Attal

These remarks sparked a chorus of praise from the latter, and particularly from their president, Gabriel Attal, who, on the X platform, judges the interview with Mr. Armand “fair and responsible”. With the deputies of the EPR group, “we continue to defend the competitiveness of our economy in the service of employment. Alternative paths to increasing charges exist. Thank you to the Prime Minister and the government for listening, the work continues with them”assures the former tenant of Matignon.

Mr. Attal republished at the same time another message on X from the group of EPR deputies, who welcomed the interview just after its publication, arguing that “we cannot take the risk of increasing labor costs”.

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In the interview, Mr. Armand judges «irresponsible» All “pseudo-blackmail into resignation”in case his requests are not heard, and recalls that Mr. Barnier “has always opened the door to adjustments in return for savings proposals”.

The risk of the motion of censure

Among these possible savings, he mentions the tightening of unemployment insurance conditions, already proposed in the spring. He recalls that he is in favor of “a debate on working time”has “touching the lifestyle of the State”or medical transport by taxi, “which costs Health Insurance 3 billion euros per year. Or 50,000 euros per year per taxi”.

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He seems to hope that the motion of censure which would result from recourse to article 49.3 of the Constitution by the government on the budget would not be adopted, while Marine Le Pen is currently threatening to join it. “How could the French understand that oppositions who share almost nothing would nevertheless vote together on a motion of censure, effectively putting France without a budget and without a government on Christmas Eve? »he asks himself.

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Questioned about the president of the deputies of the Les Républicains party (the Republican Right group), Laurent Wauquiez, who regularly irritates the EPR group, Antoine Armand judges that the political situation “is too new to have any qualms. If sometimes some people have methods, postures or positions that provoke a reaction, let’s not fall into the trap”.

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What are the implications of maintaining reductions in employer contributions for job creation in the current economic climate?

**Interview with Antoine Armand, Minister of Economy**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us⁣ today, Mr. Armand. Your ​recent⁤ comments have sparked a significant discussion⁢ surrounding employer‌ contributions and the overall economic strategy. Why do you believe it’s essential to maintain reductions in employer contributions?

**Antoine Armand:** ⁤Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to remember that increasing labor costs and overburdening businesses will not lead to job creation or‌ economic growth.​ The EPR group is⁣ advocating for policies that help preserve contribution reductions as much as possible. We have to be careful not to cross the line into excessive taxation, which⁣ could harm our competitiveness.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned that businesses should not be seen as the “adjustment variable.” Can you elaborate on that?

**Antoine Armand:** Absolutely. Taxing businesses more in ‌times of financial strain is a shortsighted approach.‍ Instead, we should consider alternative ​solutions that do not penalize employers but rather encourage them to invest and grow, which ultimately benefits employment.

**Interviewer:** There seems to be tension regarding the reduction of employer contributions in the recent Social Security budget project. How do you view this development?

**Antoine Armand:** The Senate’s decision to reduce the contribution⁤ reductions, ⁢albeit slightly,⁤ is concerning. It⁣ contradicts our commitment to‍ a ⁢sustained supply-side policy ⁤since 2017. We need to work together as a coalition,⁤ despite not always agreeing, to ensure we find viable paths forward.

**Interviewer:** Gabriel Attal praised your interview as‍ “fair and responsible.” How important is ‌political unity in these discussions?

**Antoine Armand:** Political unity is vital,​ especially in coalition governance. While there ‍may be differing opinions within our ranks, we must focus on our collective goal: to maintain a competitive economy that serves the interests of employment and growth. It’s about finding common ground and pursuing sensible, effective solutions.

**Interviewer:** what do you ⁢believe is the biggest challenge facing your ministry right now?

**Antoine Armand:** The biggest challenge is balancing the need for fiscal responsibility while ensuring that we do not stifle economic growth by over-regulating or over-taxing. This requires open dialogues within the government and with stakeholders in the business community. We need to foster an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute positively to‍ the economy.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Armand. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold.

**Antoine Armand:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.