2024-11-21 01:11:00
The Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, at the National Assembly, in Paris, October 22, 2024. STÉPHANIE LECOCQ / REUTERS
After the Senate’s reduction of 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 removal 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 policy of sustained supply 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 key factors that influence your approach to balancing labor costs and economic growth in France?
**Interview with Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Armand. There has been significant discussion surrounding the recent adjustments to employer contributions in the Social Security budget. Could you elaborate on your stance regarding the increase in labor costs?
**Antoine Armand**: Thank you for having me. My position is clear: it is not by bludgeoning businesses with increased labor costs that we create jobs and stimulate growth. The EPR group is correct in pushing for the preservation of contribution reductions, as such measures are vital for maintaining the competitiveness of our economy.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned concerns about excessive taxation. What specific changes are you worried about?
**Antoine Armand**: I am particularly concerned about the proposed increases in the mobility payment and the implications they might have on businesses. We need to exercise caution against excessive taxation, as this could deter investment and hinder job creation. My political family carries a firm message: businesses must not be the adjustment variable in our economic policy.
**Interviewer**: There have been disagreements within the coalition, especially regarding the proposals from Michel Barnier. How do you view these differences?
**Antoine Armand**: It’s important to acknowledge that coalition politics include diverse viewpoints. While we may not agree on every issue, our objective is to work together for the greater good. That means being open to adjustments when necessary, especially when they come with viable savings proposals.
**Interviewer**: Gabriel Attal praised your interview, calling it “fair and responsible.” How do you feel about the reactions from your peers?
**Antoine Armand**: I appreciate the support from my colleagues, as it reflects a shared commitment to defending our economy’s competitiveness. It is crucial that we find alternative paths to manage charges without jeopardizing job security. The dialog and collaboration with the government and our coalition partners are vital as we navigate these challenges together.
**Interviewer**: As we wrap up, what do you believe is the most critical takeaway from your current economic policies?
**Antoine Armand**: The essence of our policy is that we must maintain a balanced approach. By respecting businesses and ensuring they are not overburdened by taxes, we can drive growth, create new jobs, and foster a sustainable economic environment. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues.