France's new government meets first time to discuss budget and migrant issues

FRANCE 24 English

Visit our website: http://www.france24.com  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English  Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/France24_en

Transcript

00:00From the get-go, France's new prime minister acknowledged that storm clouds are looming ahead.

00:06He said on French television that he knows his mandate is a fragile one,

00:10for the risk of a vote of no confidence hovers over every move.

00:14But Michel Barnier nonetheless laid out some of his plans.

00:18First, there's a financial imperative to tackle.

00:20A new government must submit the 2025 budget plan to Parliament by early October.

00:25With France's shortfall at 5.5% of GDP last year,

00:30and with Europe having reprimanded France over its debt,

00:33Barnier and his new budget minister said cuts are coming,

00:37and a national effort would need to be made.

00:39Yes, strong choices will need to be taken.

00:44But what we did and have done was, of course,

00:47a necessary precursor to maintaining economic activity and straightening our economy.

00:55Beyond the budget, which will likely be passed by decree,

00:58as Barnier does not otherwise have the votes,

01:00the prime minister said he wants to improve, but not scrap, Macron's pension reforms.

01:06He also said changes are coming in regard to immigration.

01:09There will not be any ideology or sectarianism.

01:12There will be practical measures, similar to those of our neighbours,

01:15and we'll take these steps carefully.

01:17Barnier's party only received 5% of the votes in the last election,

01:22amidst outrage over his government.

01:24And the further to the right choices made in regard to many of his ministers,

01:28he tried to reassure voters.

01:30He said same-sex marriage and abortion rights would stand.

01:33Mental health, he said, would be next year's national cause.

01:36This is a third of psychiatric staff positions in hospitals remain vacant,

01:40and as the number of beds for patients has fallen.

01:44On the heels of the Olympics, Barnier said sports across the country would be a priority.

01:48That is, if he manages to keep a vote of no confidence at bay.

Category

Transcript

Recommended