The government is studying "
protective measures
" for the French if fuel prices were to continue to rise "
over time
", its spokesman Gabriel Attal announced on Wednesday.
“
There are several possible avenues: there is the issue of lowering taxes, we are not there today;
there may be a question of specific assistance
, ”detailed the Secretary of State on BFM and RMC, while specifying that“
the decision has not been taken
”.
"
Before making a decision, you have to look at what is most effective in helping the French who need it most
," he added.
Read alsoFuel prices: Michel-Edouard Leclerc calls on the State to "lower its taxes"
“
As soon as these increases continue and the estimates that are made indicate that they should continue over time, obviously we would consider protective measures, as we did on gas, as we have done on electricity,
”he explained.
"
If these increases continue, we will take the necessary measures
," he insisted.
While "
very strong demand
" should according to experts "start to decline again from the end of the 1st quarter, in the 1st semester, the question is how do we help the French get through" the current moment , analyzed Gabriel Attal.
The fuel argument
Six months before the presidential election, purchasing power is establishing itself as one of the flagship themes of the campaign, while energy prices are soaring in Europe.
Marine Le Pen, candidate of the RN at the Elysee, proposed to lower the VAT on gasoline, gas and electricity to 5.5% instead of 20%, to bring to French households a "
shock of purchasing power
”.
Read also Anne Hidalgo proposes to lower the VAT on fuel to 5.5%
In the ranks of left-wing candidates, Jean-Luc Mélenchon (LFI) advocates a blocking of energy prices, Anne Hidalgo (PS) a reduction in the fuel tax and Arnaud Montebourg (ex-PS) a reduction of 5.5% VAT on energy.
