Merkel says Macron would be ‘strong president’ for France
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that Emmanuel Macron would make a “strong president” for France, throwing her weight behind the centrist favourite to win a run-off on May 7 against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
Asked in an interview if Germany would accept future French demands that it increase its contributions to the European Union, Merkel said: “We will see. I can’t anticipate the discussions with the future French president.”
Among his proposed measures, Macron wants to cut corporate tax from 33% to 25%. He also want to convert the CICE tax credit system for firms into permanent payroll tax breaks for low-wage workers. The 35-hour legal work week would remain but negotiation of real work hours would be left to company level. As for low-wage earners, they would be exempted from certain social welfare levies, a measure that would put an extra month’s wage per year in the employee’s pocket.
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Regarding public investment, Macron’s plan calls for 50 billion euros of public investment over five years, of which 15 billion are for training and changing skill-sets to find jobs. Another 15 billion would be directed towards on energy and environment targets to ensure that in five years, there can be an exit from coal-based energy production, a shift towards alternative, renewable energy sources, rise in carbon tax. 5 billion euros would be directed in the farm sector financing for environment-friendly projects, local production cooperatives and aid during price crises.
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