The Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, marked his first 100 days in office by unveiling a plan in Viry-Châtillon on April 18th. This plan aims to place “authority at the heart of the Republic.” He emphasized the need for a resurgence of authority, especially in the wake of recent events like the tragic death of 15-year-old Shemseddine, who was beaten to death near his school. Attal highlighted the defiance of authority and rules among some young people, expressing concern about the trend towards isolation, individualism, and unchecked violence.
In Viry-Châtillon, the Prime Minister questioned the reasons behind this shift in the behavior of youth and condemned acts of violence and disrespect towards the values of the Republic. He called for a stronger emphasis on authority and rules, noting that French citizens no longer tolerate a disregard for common rules. Accpanied by several ministers, Attal engaged with community members in discussions about the role of authority and its application in various areas of society.
The government spokesperson, Prisca Thevenot, announced that the Prime Minister would present a precise action plan on the issue of authority. This plan includes launching a consultation on youth violence, as requested by President Emmanuel Macron. The rise of extreme violence among increasingly younger citizens necessitates a long-term effort that involves all relevant stakeholders. Recent events, such as the brutal death of Shemseddine, have highlighted the urgent need for action on issues related to youth violence and social order.
Despite facing various crises during his first few months in office, including challenges within his own camp and threats of censure motions, Attal remains determined to address key issues facing France. In addition to authority and education, he plans to focus on labor issues, proposing reforms to the unemployment insurance system to encourage greater employment uptake. Attal aims to champion the working middle class and address the concerns of those who feel burdened by responsibilities while others have unchecked privileges.
The Prime Minister will also need to tackle public finances, as revenue falls short of expectations. As tensions mount within the government over economic matters, Attal must find additional ways to save billions in the coming years. The aim is to bring the budget deficit back below 3% of GDP by 2027. However, there are concerns about the credibility and coherence of the government’s budget plan, as highlighted by the High Council of Public Finance. This challenging economic and political landscape also coincides with the upcoming European elections, where the President’s party is facing tough competition from right-wing parties.
