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 strategies does Minister Armand suggest for balancing labor costs and job creation in the current economic climate?**
**Interview with Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Armand. Recently, you expressed concerns about increased labor costs and their impact on job creation. Could you elaborate on your perspective?
**Antoine Armand:** Certainly. My primary message is that we must avoid burdening businesses with higher taxes and increased labor costs if we want to stimulate job creation and economic growth. As I stated, “it is not by bludgeoning businesses that we create jobs and growth.” This principle is essential for maintaining a competitive economy.
**Interviewer:** In light of the Senate’s recent decision to reduce business tax reductions significantly, what are your thoughts on the potential for further taxing businesses?
**Antoine Armand:** The reduction of employer contributions, even if reduced from an initial 4 billion euros to 3 billion euros, is concerning. We must be cautious; businesses should not be seen as an adjustment variable in our fiscal strategy. Excessive taxation could deter investment and economic activity.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the EPR group’s insistence on preserving contribution reductions. How crucial is this in your view?
**Antoine Armand:** It is very crucial. The EPR group’s stance reflects a commitment to supporting our economy. Preserving contribution reductions is vital for ensuring businesses can thrive and, consequently, create jobs. Again, we must tread carefully regarding any new taxes or charges.
**Interviewer:** Regarding collaboration within the coalition, how do you foresee the relationship between different political forces in light of these fiscal challenges?
**Antoine Armand:** I believe in constructive dialog, even when there are disagreements. As I’ve said, “let’s stop being afraid of words: we are in a coalition.” This collaboration is key to addressing our shared challenges. We must work together, finding middle ground, particularly as we navigate complex issues such as pension funding.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, there has been talk about the mobility payment, which could further impact employer contributions. What is your stance on this proposal?
**Antoine Armand:** The mobility payment is indeed a consideration. However, we need to carefully evaluate its implications for businesses. My goal remains focused on enhancing our economic framework without overburdening employers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Armand. Your perspective on these issues is invaluable as we head into this critical budgetary period.
**Antoine Armand:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we remain vigilant and committed to maintaining a competitive economy for the future.
