France won't change its fiscal policy, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said as his government looked set to face two new no-confidence motions in parliament on Monday after one of the main credit agencies cut its rating of the country's debt.
"We won't raise taxes, we already have too much taxes in France," Attal told franceinfo radio.
Days ahead of a June 9 EU parliamentary election, S&P cut France's long-term sovereign debt rating on Friday to "AA-" from "AA", citing expectations that higher than expected deficits would push up debt in the euro zone's second-biggest economy.
The motions, lodged by the far-right Rassemblement National and far-left LFI opposition groups of lawmakers, have little chance of passing.
However, they come as a reminder to the government of President Emmanuel Macron - who seeks to continue on his reform path despite lacking an absolute majority in parliament - that France's strained state budget remains the Achilles' heel for political stability.
French PM: Don't expect policy change after debt downgrade
Previous
- Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, after his tour in Lebanon: Consultations continue steadily between Lebanon and Iran, and I came to express gratitude and appreciation for the solidarity shown with us after the killing of the Iranian president, foreign minister, and their companions
- UN Bonn climate conference interrupted by pro-Palestinian protest
- Halabi broaches educational affairs
- Rafah border crossing can't reopen unless Israeli forces quit Gaza side
TWEET YOUR COMMENT