France"s new government tackles budget and migrant issues in first meeting
- Prime Minister Michel Barnier held the first meeting of France's new government on Monday, focusing on budget and immigration issues.
- The government faces challenges due to a hung parliament and scrutiny from the EU regarding excessive debt.
- Barnier's administration aims to control immigration and manage the budget without increasing the tax burden on citizens.
On Monday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier convened France's new government for its inaugural meeting, focusing on pressing budget and immigration issues. This meeting follows the recent elections that resulted in a hung parliament, complicating the political landscape. Barnier emphasized the urgency of addressing the 2025 budget bill, which will be debated in parliament next month, as France faces scrutiny from the EU for excessive debt. He called for a national effort to rectify the financial situation without increasing the tax burden on the general populace, suggesting that wealthier individuals should contribute more. In addition to budgetary concerns, Barnier highlighted the need to control immigration, stating that the current influx of migrants is unsustainable. He referenced measures taken by neighboring countries, such as Germany's temporary border controls, as examples of necessary actions. Barnier's government, which is primarily composed of conservatives and centrists, aims to navigate the complexities of a divided parliament, where the left-wing coalition holds the most seats but lacks a majority. As a seasoned politician, Barnier is expected to deliver a general policy speech to the National Assembly on October 1, marking a significant test for his administration. He expressed confidence in forming a coalition with President Emmanuel Macron's centrists, despite their differing political backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of compromise for the country's interests. Macron's upcoming trip to the U.N. General Assembly and Canada underscores the president's dominant role in foreign policy, while Barnier will focus on domestic challenges. The new government's ability to address these critical issues will be closely monitored, as France grapples with financial and diplomatic challenges. The collaboration between Barnier and Macron is seen as essential for achieving stability and progress in the face of political divisions and public expectations.