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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**How does Antoine Armand plan to address tax increases while ensuring business stability and competitiveness?**
**Interview with Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Armand. Your recent comments regarding employer contributions and labor costs have sparked a lot of discussions. Can you elaborate on your stance?
**Antoine Armand:** Absolutely. My main message is clear: boosting jobs and economic growth cannot come at the expense of businesses through increased labor costs. We need to focus on keeping employer contributions manageable to sustain competitiveness and employment levels.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the Senate’s decision to reduce reductions in employer contributions, which seems to concern many in the business sector. What are your thoughts on the implications of this?
**Antoine Armand:** It’s a troubling development. Reducing these contributions, even slightly, sends the wrong signal. It risks placing businesses as the adjustment variable in our economic policy. We should be looking for alternatives that do not burden employers further.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned the need for caution regarding tax increases. What do you envision as the consequences of excessive taxation?
**Antoine Armand:** Excessive taxation can stifle innovation and growth. Businesses need room to operate, invest, and create jobs. A balanced approach is essential to ensure that we do not drive companies away or discourage new investments in our economy.
**Interviewer:** Your role in the coalition government seems pivotal. How do you address the differences of opinion within the coalition, especially between figures like Michel Barnier and the EPR deputies?
**Antoine Armand:** Collaboration is key in a coalition. While we may not agree on everything, it’s vital that we maintain open lines of communication. We need to find common ground to work towards adjustments that work for everyone while pushing for responsible financial proposals.
**Interviewer:** Gabriel Attal praised your recent remarks as “fair and responsible.” How do you view the support from your colleagues and their emphasis on protecting employment competitiveness?
**Antoine Armand:** I appreciate that support. It’s crucial that we stand together to advocate for a robust economic environment. Protecting our labor market and promoting competitiveness should be our shared priority. We must keep pushing for solutions that do not compromise growth.
**Interviewer:** there’s a mention of potential savings proposals being discussed. Can you share what types of measures you’re considering to help address fiscal challenges without threatening business stability?
**Antoine Armand:** We’re exploring various avenues, including efficiency savings within public spending. The goal is to ensure fiscal responsibility while minimizing the impact on businesses. Every dollar saved should contribute to a healthier economic landscape where companies can thrive.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Armand. Your commitment to balancing economic growth with responsible governance is clear.
**Antoine Armand:** Thank you for the opportunity. It’s essential we remain focused on these issues for the benefit of our economy and society.