Following the inauguration of a strongly conservative government on Saturday, September 21, the French Prime Minister was keen to reassure the public that he would not call into question the major social advances of recent years, such as marriage for all

Speaking on France 2 on Sunday September 22, Michel Barnier guaranteed that laws on social and societal rights, including those on abortion and PMA, would be fully preserved.

“These provisions will remain intact”, he stressed, reaffirming his commitment to protecting these acquired rights, symbols of freedom and progress. The Prime Minister also made it clear that there would be “no ambiguity” on this issue, despite the presence of Conservative ministers in his new cabinet.

Michel Barnier: an ambitious program and targeted reforms
The richest will be taxed. The Prime Minister has clearly stated his intention to ask the wealthiest citizens to contribute more to the national solidarity effort. “I’m not going to raise taxes for all French people, not for workers, nor for the modest and middle classes,” he said. Michel Barnier believes that it is “the most fortunate” who should contribute more.

Large companies will not be spared either. Barnier insisted on the need for a “collective effort” to limit ecological and financial debts. He raised the idea of targeted taxes on large fortunes and certain large companies. Asked about a possible increase in corporate income tax, he clarified: “I’m not ruling it out, but I think that the biggest companies have a role to play in the country’s recovery.”

Pension reform under review. With regard to pension reform, which came into force a year ago, Michel Barnier promised to “take the time to improve it”. While confirming that the financial framework of the law should be maintained, he affirmed his willingness to work with the social partners to make any necessary adjustments. Despite the weeks of protests, the gradual raising of the statutory retirement age to 64 remains unchanged, but the Prime Minister now wants a more concerted approach open to social dialogue.

Strong commitment to preserving social legislation. Michel Barnier was unwavering on the issue of major social progress laws. “Texts such as those concerning abortion or PMA will be fully preserved,” he declared. He pledged to be a “bulwark” to protect these achievements in terms of freedoms and social progress, reassuring the concerns raised by the entry of conservative ministers into his government.

Mental health: a national priority for 2025. The Prime Minister has announced his intention to make mental health the major national cause for 2025. This commitment stems from his own family roots, as his mother chaired a national association for families of the mentally ill for 35 years. Michel Barnier intends to respond to a growing crisis in the field of psychiatry, marked by a shortage of professionals and a reduction in reception capacity, while the number of patients has doubled over the last 20 years. The Prime Minister deplores the cancellation of a Conseil national de la refondation on mental health scheduled for this summer, and intends to act quickly to fill the void left by the absence of a ministry specifically dedicated to this cause.

With a vision focused on solidarity, social improvement and public health, Michel Barnier presents an ambitious plan, while striving to reconcile modernity with respect for what has already been achieved.