While the breath of a motion of censure is growing louder and louder against a backdrop of budgetary disagreements, Michel Barnier is trying to save his government. The Prime Minister reached out to the National Rally this Thursday, November 28, responding positively to two demands from the far-right party: a lower increase in electricity taxes and cuts in medical aid for undocumented immigrants.
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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier finally announced this Thursday, November 28, that he was giving up on increasing electricity taxes beyond their level before the price shield against inflation. “ This will allow a reduction in electricity prices of 14%, which will therefore go well beyond the 9% reduction initially planned. “, he said in an interview with Figaro relayed by AFP.
An announcement well received by small businesses, while around ten thousand of them have gone out of business over the last 12 months, recalls Alain Gargani, business manager and representative of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises for the south of France.
He reassured us, we feel that there is a desire to support VSEs and SMEs, which are the real economy of our territories.
Alain Gargani, representative of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises
This decision is not only a gift for small businesses: above all, it allows Michel Barnier to fulfill one of the conditions of the National Rally (RN) to avoid censorship. The Prime Minister also agrees, in part, to the RN’s request to reduce state medical aid for undocumented immigrants. Michel Barnier wants the care provided to be “ noticeably » reduced, and promises to engage next year “ a reform »help« to avoid abuse and misappropriation », one of the constant demands of the far right and part of the right in matters of immigration.
The RN poses its ultimatum
But the response of Marine Le Pen remains terse: Michel Barnier has until Monday to do better. All the budgetary red lines set by the boss of the RN are in fact not erased, reminds our journalist Aurélien Devernoix. Censorship is therefore still on the table and it is up to the Prime Minister to continue the efforts, explains National Rally MP Philippe Ballard: “ We have set six points which are red lines, so we will see what Michel Barnier puts in this final text, see you Monday at 3 p.m. »
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On the left, we look at this pas de deux by Michel Barnier with a distance, like Jean-Luc Mélenchon: “ We can think that in this way he is trying to win the good graces of the National Rally. Will he succeed? This is what we are going to see. » The Insoumis leader, however, remains convinced that the government is doomed and that the French must be called back to the polls: “ In six days, there will be no more government since we cannot hold new legislative elections, so let’s have a presidential election, it’s the only way we have to vote. »
No question of an anticipated presidential election on the side of the government alliance, but a hint of division in the face of the hand extended to the RN. If on the right side, we say we are rather satisfied, the left wing of Macronie grimaces. A deputy fears that his camp risks the double punishment: censorship and dishonor.
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