China News Agency, Paris, July 15 (Reporter Li Yang) The new French Prime Minister Castel announced the policy guidelines at the French National Assembly (lower house of parliament) on the 15th local time, emphasizing that job protection is the "top priority" of the new government.
Castel promised to deal with the problem of unemployment and said that he will seek to work with the people to deal with the crisis in a "new way", seek to expand employment, and optimize the industry structure. He emphasized that over the next 18 months, defeating unemployment and ensuring employment will be the government's "absolute priority."
Due to the impact of the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, the French economy has been hit hard, affecting many industries. Large companies such as Airbus and Renault have issued layoff plans, and SMEs are facing severe survival pressure.
Castel said that a new 100 billion euro economic recovery plan will be introduced soon, of which 40 billion euros will be used to support the French industry and services. He promised to "cut taxes and fees that inhibit the production capacity of enterprises" and will increase employment support for young people.
Castel also said that in the next 10 years, large-scale investment in state-funded research projects amounted to 25 billion euros. He revealed that the state will invest in green technology and will promote development plans related to climate change and green ecology, including the wider use of electric bicycles, urban innovation programs and large-scale renovation of old urban areas.
Castel stated that he is an advocate of "social dialogue", and he will invite representatives of the French business community and trade unions to hold talks with the aim of clarifying the direction and timetable for the future reform process. French public opinion believes that the talks may focus on the reform of the retirement system.
When talking about the reform of the retirement system, Castel reiterated that the reform is necessary, and emphasized that the crisis caused by the epidemic "makes us pursue more relevant goals", that is, "establish a more equitable system."
Castel also talked about France's preparations for a possible second wave of new coronary pneumonia. He said that France will continue to increase virus detection and tracking efforts, and expand the use of masks. French President Macron has announced that from August 1, all indoor public places in France will be mandatory to wear masks.
After Castel announced his policy, the National Assembly supported 345 votes, 177 against, and 43 abstentions. The new government won the National Assembly's vote of confidence. (Finish)