1 week ago
Melenchon Debt-Cancellation Plan Triggers French Political Backlash
Jean-Luc Melenchon wants France to cancel some government debt held by its central bank.
He says this could make France’s debt numbers look smaller and leave more money for public programs.
The bonds involved represent about 18% of French debt held by the Bank of France.
France’s prime minister says the idea could scare away lenders.
If lenders became worried, they might demand much higher interest rates to lend France money.
A former central-bank governor warned that the plan could create large losses for French taxpayers.
Some supporters say cancelling the bonds would have little or no economic effect.
Economist Olivier Blanchard argues that it would mainly remove income from the state and undermine confidence.
Jean-Luc Melenchon has revived a proposal to cancel French government bonds held by the Bank of France.
The plan could lower France’s reported public-debt ratio, currently above 116% of GDP, and create room for spending.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called the proposal fraudulent and warned it could drive up borrowing costs.
Former Bank of France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said cancellation could force France to leave the euro and leave taxpayers covering losses.
Investment banker Matthieu Pigasse supported the idea, while economist Olivier Blanchard called it economically ineffective and damaging to investor confidence.
- Who
- Jean-Luc Melenchon, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Matthieu Pigasse, Olivier Blanchard, and former Bank of France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau.
- What
- Melenchon has proposed cancelling French government bonds held by the Bank of France.
- Where
- France, including the Bank of France and the broader euro zone financial system.
- When
- The proposal was reported on August 26; Melenchon revived it during the presidential campaign, with an election expected the following year.
- Why
- Melenchon says cancellation could reduce France’s headline debt ratio and create room for public spending; critics say it could violate European rules, damage confidence, and raise borrowing costs.
Supporters of Debt Cancellation
Critics of Debt Cancellation
Economic impact
Supporters of Debt Cancellation
Matthieu Pigasse argues that cancelling bonds held by the Bank of France could occur without economic or financial impact.
Critics of Debt Cancellation
Olivier Blanchard argues that the state would lose interest income and profits, making the accounting benefit moot while weakening investor confidence.
Public spending and debt
Supporters of Debt Cancellation
Melenchon says cancellation would lower France’s headline debt ratio and create more room for public spending.
Critics of Debt Cancellation
Critics say the proposal raises false hopes and does not solve France’s underlying deficit problem.
Borrowing and monetary rules
Supporters of Debt Cancellation
Supporters present the operation as a way to manage debt held within the public sector.
Critics of Debt Cancellation
Lecornu warns that investors could demand exorbitant interest rates, while policymakers argue such cancellation would amount to central-bank financing of the government, prohibited by European Union treaties.
Cost to taxpayers and the euro
Supporters of Debt Cancellation
Pigasse says the operation would have no economic or financial impact.
Critics of Debt Cancellation
Villeroy de Galhau has said it could force France to give up the euro and leave taxpayers responsible for a large central-bank loss.
Key facts
- French public debt
- More than 116% of gross domestic product.
- Bank of France holdings
- Melenchon referred to the 18% of French debt held by the central bank.
- France’s planned borrowing
- France needs to raise 310 billion euros this year, according to Lecornu.
- Main political proposal
- Cancel French government bonds held by the Bank of France.
- Government response
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called the proposal “fraud in its purest form.”
- Supporter
- Investment banker Matthieu Pigasse said the bonds could be cancelled without economic or financial impact.
- Critic
- Olivier Blanchard said cancellation would be ineffective in bookkeeping terms and could shake private investors’ confidence.
Quotes
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Far-left French presidential candidate and France Unbowed leader
“If France, which needs to raise 310 billion euros ($361 billion) this year, were to renege on its own signature, who would still lend to us? At best, lenders – if they agree to lend at all – will demand exorbitant interest rates.”
CNBC TV 18
theprint.in
“All we have to do is take the 18% held by the Bank of France and chuck it in the fire.”
CNBC TV 18
theprint.in
Sources
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