By Mathieu Rosemain PARIS (Reuters) -French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Sunday that he would not raise taxes on most French taxpayers, although the wealthiest would have to help close a hole in the budget.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has announced that he will not raise taxes on the majority of French taxpayers. However, he indicated that the wealthiest citizens would need to contribute to addressing the budget deficit.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday called for a "national effort" to cut the country's public-sector deficit, but ruled out across-the-board tax rises. A day after President Emmanuel Macron appointed a new government, Barnier told the France 2 broadcaster that the government's financial situation was "very serious".

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Sunday that he would not raise taxes on most French taxpayers, although the wealthiest would have to help close a hole in the budget."I'm not going to further increase taxes on all French people,

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Sunday that he would not raise taxes on most French taxpayers, although the wealthiest would have to help close a hole in the budget.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said his new government could increase taxes for big business and the wealthiest as it seeks to repair runaway budget deficits and keep the faith of bond markets.