Summary
In a heartfelt farewell to the bustling heart of France’s economic machinery, Bercy, Bruno Le Maire delivered a poignant message on September 12, 2023, declaring, “France must not turn back on taxes.” As the curtains closed on his tenure as Minister of Economy, he stood as a determined guardian against the looming specter of increased taxation. After over seven transformative years nestled in the corridors of power, Le Maire, yearning to inhale the fresh air of academic life, announced his return to teaching. With a twinkle in his eye, reflecting the joy of revisiting his roots as a former literature professor, he proclaimed, “I am happy to return to the classroom, this time delving into economic and geopolitical subjects.” Though shedding his ministerial responsibilities, he assured attendees that he would continue to call France home, maintaining his connection to the nation he served. In his farewell speech, delivered amidst a backdrop of historical significance, Le Maire articulated his staunch opposition to any escalation in taxes. “Against the whirlwind of rising taxes, we chose fiscal stability,” he asserted, proud of what he deemed a bold economic transformation for France in collaboration with President Emmanuel Macron. His defense appeared almost a battle cry in response to factions within the government, particularly from the left, demanding higher taxes to ease public finances. “France must not regress on tax matters,” he warned, his voice resonating with urgency as he addressed hundreds of attendees. Despite the relief felt from 55 billion euros in tax cuts implemented since Macron’s ascent, the pressure of high taxation loomed large. Instead of advocating for increased domestic taxes, Le Maire championed the notion of taxing the wealthiest globally. In a burnished critique of “sleepwalkers” promising extravagant solutions while ignoring the impending financial tsunami, he remarked, “It’s the French hypocrisy: wanting to lower debt while increasing expenditures.” With a firm grip on the reigns of economic governance, he called for action to swiftly adhere to the European rules demanding a deficit below 3%. “It’s time to react; to react swiftly and decisively,” he implored, his concern palpable amidst a world increasingly dominated by competitive forces from the United States. As he stepped away from the podium, Le Maire left behind echoes of his convictions—an insistence on prudence amid torrents of fiscal expectations, a reminder that progress does not dwell in the shadows of the past.
Original Source: www.lindependant.fr
