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French PM to deliver high-stakes speech in Parliament

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 8:43 GMT by Le Monde.fr
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French Prime Minister to Deliver High‑stakes Speech in Parliament Amid Economic, Security, and Climate Challenges

On October 14, 2025, the French National Assembly will host a pivotal address by the Prime Minister, who is poised to confront a triad of pressing national issues: a mounting public debt, escalating defense commitments in a volatile geopolitical landscape, and a renewed climate‑action plan designed to meet Paris Agreement targets. The speech, anticipated to last approximately 30 minutes, will be the first comprehensive policy briefing of its kind since the 2024 elections, which saw the incumbent government secure a slim majority amid widespread calls for fiscal reform and stronger security measures.

Economic Recovery and Debt Management

Central to the address is the management of France’s public debt, which has risen to 98% of GDP over the past decade. The Prime Minister will outline a multi‑year fiscal strategy that includes a targeted tax reform aimed at broadening the tax base while maintaining progressive tax brackets. The plan proposes a modest increase in corporate tax for multinationals that operate in France, coupled with a €15 billion investment in high‑growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, green chemistry, and advanced manufacturing. A notable component is the introduction of a “green tax credit” designed to incentivize domestic companies to adopt renewable energy practices, thereby aligning fiscal policy with environmental objectives.

The speech will also highlight an upcoming legislative package that seeks to modernize the social welfare system. The reform intends to replace the existing pension scheme with a universal basic income model for citizens aged 65 and older, a move that critics argue could undermine the intergenerational equity of France’s social safety net. Supporters, however, maintain that the reform will create a more flexible pension system capable of adjusting to demographic shifts.

Security and Defense in a Changing Geopolitical Context

Amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe and an increasingly uncertain security environment, the Prime Minister will reaffirm France’s commitment to NATO while outlining a strategy for the nation’s independent defense capabilities. The speech will detail a €12 billion defense budget increase over the next five years, focusing on the procurement of next‑generation fighter aircraft, cyber‑security infrastructure, and maritime patrol vessels. The plan also envisages a joint Franco‑German “Strategic Autonomy Initiative,” aimed at developing shared defense technology to reduce reliance on external suppliers.

The address will address the recent decision to relocate the French naval base in Lorient to accommodate the new amphibious warfare platform, the Artemis class. This decision, which came after a series of consultations with local stakeholders, has sparked debate over its impact on regional employment and the environment. The Prime Minister will emphasize measures to mitigate economic disruption, including a €200 million investment in local job training programs.

Climate Commitments and the Paris Agreement

The speech will feature a forward‑looking climate policy that extends beyond the Paris Agreement’s 2030 targets. The Prime Minister will announce a new “Carbon Net Zero by 2050” roadmap, setting a binding target for national carbon intensity reduction of 70% by 2035. Key components of the plan include an aggressive expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure—installing 200,000 new charging stations by 2030—and a €30 billion investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects across the Nord‑Pas‑de‑Calais region.

Moreover, the Prime Minister will unveil a “Green Transition Fund,” a €50 billion public‑private partnership designed to finance the retrofit of residential and commercial buildings to meet the new EU Energy Efficiency Directive. The initiative will also support rural communities through subsidies for solar and wind projects, thereby addressing regional disparities in renewable energy adoption.

Political Landscape and Future Outlook

The speech arrives at a critical juncture for the government. Recent polls indicate a declining approval rating of 43% for the Prime Minister, in part due to concerns over the pace of economic reforms and the perceived opacity of defense spending. Opposition parties have called for increased parliamentary oversight of the proposed budgetary measures, citing fears that the reforms could exacerbate social inequalities.

The Prime Minister’s address will therefore also focus on strengthening parliamentary dialogue, announcing the formation of a “National Economic and Security Council” to facilitate bipartisan cooperation on key policy areas. The council will meet biannually, with the Prime Minister serving as chair, to ensure sustained engagement between the executive and legislative branches.

Follow‑up and External Context

A notable reference in the speech is the upcoming European Union summit in Brussels, where France will negotiate its stance on the “European Defence Fund” expansion. The Prime Minister’s stance—advocating for a larger share of funding for France’s autonomous defense initiatives—has already been the subject of intense debate among EU member states, particularly Germany and Italy. The speech will also touch upon France’s role in the EU’s climate strategy, emphasizing the need for harmonized emissions trading schemes that align with national carbon reduction targets.

In addition, the Prime Minister will allude to the forthcoming legislative session on the “Digital Services Act,” signaling France’s intention to lead in setting stringent privacy and data‑security standards for the European digital market. This move is anticipated to bolster the nation’s tech industry while ensuring robust consumer protection.

Conclusion

The forthcoming speech by the French Prime Minister will be a cornerstone moment in France’s recent political narrative, addressing the nation’s fiscal health, security posture, and climate commitments. Its outcomes are expected to reverberate across European policy corridors, shaping France’s domestic reforms and its role on the global stage for the remainder of the decade.