France’s rich could pay more as PM tackles budget deficit

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has indicated a willingness to require citizens and companies with the highest incomes to make additional contributions to reduce the country’s budget deficit.

According to Report, citing TASS, he made the statement at a CFDT union conference in Boissy-la-Rivière.

“When your resources are greater, your contribution to restoring public finances should also be greater. That is why special efforts will be required from the wealthiest, and tax benefits will be removed in all cases where they are deemed unfair or unnecessary,” Bayrou emphasized.

The Prime Minister also announced his intention to bring a vote of confidence in the government to the National Assembly on September 8, noting that the decision was made deliberately due to the current threats to the country’s financial system.

He further mentioned plans to delegate management of key elements of the social protection system—unemployment insurance and pensions—to social partners, including representatives of business and trade unions.