The price of a full tank of diesel is exploding, the price of heating oil has almost doubled and that of gas is increasing.
We must find solutions to the increasing cost of living, protect workers, support the self-employed and preserve economic activity. This requires concrete, immediate and effective measures at all levels of power. The government must act now.
Several experts and economists say it is necessary to protect, support and cushion the current shock. Many European countries have taken measures to help their populations. What are we waiting for?
Because ultimately, the question is simple: do we protect families, small self-employed people, businesses or do we continue to send them the bill? Concretely, we offer:
- To cancel the energy tax increases recently voted by the MR/Les Engagés government. You have to be completely disconnected from reality to decide on this kind of measures in this context. We have tabled texts to remove these increases. The government refused to vote on them. It’s not too late to change your mind.
- To block fuel prices. This measure would provide immediate relief. Today, prices are determined within the framework of a program contract concluded between the state and the oil companies. Our proposal consists of ensuring that, when the theoretical price (of the contract) exceeds the ceiling set by the State, the difference is compensated by the public authorities. This is a temporary protection measure that could be quickly activated.
- To recover the excess profits made by energy companies at the expense of the population. Today, the fuels, gas or heating oil sold are still those from old stocks purchased at reasonable prices. There is therefore no reason for the energy giants to make colossal margins on the backs of workers and other companies. We can recover these excess profits.
- To protect purchasing power and food prices. Remove the cuts in salaries and pensions planned with the double index jump that is coming, remove additional taxes on food. The objective is to directly support families and the economy.
To govern is not to submit. Governing means taking all the right measures that are necessary when a crisis threatens citizens. Today, we must cushion the shock, reassure the population and show that we have a direction: anticipate, protect and act.
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