Striking message from newly appointed French Prime Minister: 'Migration wave must be controlled'

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Conservative politician Michel Barnier has become France's new prime minister. In his first interview, Barnier drew attention to the migration issue while promising to continue the policies of President Emmanuel Macron. On the other hand, Barnier emphasized that the migration problem is ongoing and argued that stricter measures must be taken.

Speaking to the French news agency AFP, Prime Minister Barnier also made statements regarding the newly formed government in addition to the issue of migration. Following the recent elections in France, no group had been able to secure the majority required to form a government. Barnier, who will lead a minority government, has formed an alliance with conservatives as well as Macron's liberal party, Renaissance.

In his interview, Barnier said that the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF), which received the highest percentage of votes in the election, is also invited to support the government, stating, 'We have no red lines. We must open our doors to everyone who wants to support us.'

On Thursday, Macron appointed 73-year-old Barnier, the former European Union Brexit negotiator, as prime minister. The appointment decision came after two months of efforts to form a government.

Barnier faces two difficult tasks. The new prime minister must both pass the 2025 budget through parliament and continue the reforms that began during the Macron era. France's 2025 budget includes various austerity measures as a result of pressure from the European Commission and bond market actors to reduce the budget deficit.

The increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64, which caused nationwide protests in France in recent months, will also be one of the issues Barnier will have to deal with. While the French Prime Minister stated that he cannot reverse this decision, he emphasized that he will work to protect 'the most vulnerable.'

News Source: 12punto