French PM Michel Barnier Rules Out Tax Hikes for Most, Eyes Wealthiest for Budget Fix

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has announced that he will not raise taxes on the majority of French taxpayers. However, he indicated that the wealthiest citizens would need to contribute to addressing the budget deficit. Barnier also expressed openness to amending President Macron's pension reform, provided it doesn't compromise the pension system's financial stability.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced on Sunday that he will not increase taxes for most French citizens. The wealthiest, however, may be required to contribute to closing the budget deficit.

'I'm not going to further increase taxes on all French people, neither on the most modest, nor on people who work, nor on the middle classes. But I cannot exclude the wealthiest from the national effort to rectify the situation,' Barnier stated during an interview with France 2 television.

Barnier also mentioned his willingness to consider changes to President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, provided that such changes do not jeopardize the financial stability of the pension system.

(With inputs from agencies.)