French PM Jean-Marc Ayrault Announces Plan to Simplify Tax System

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has announced plans to reform his country's tax system in time for the 2015 budget.

"I think the time has come for a transparent overhaul of our tax system. The objective is to come up with rules that are fairer, more efficient and easier to understand," Ayrault told the Les Echos business daily.

"This overhaul will obviously require in-depth dialogue. I will meet all social partners in the coming days," he said, referring to business groups and labour unions.

Ayrault said a consultation on the reform plans was imminent.

"Once consultations have concluded, the government will face up to its responsibilities ... and submit proposals to parliament," he said.

President Francois Hollande and his government have been struggling to end France's economic stagnation.

Frustration over tax and unemployment has dragged Hollande's approval rating to 20%, the lowest score for a post-war president, an Ifop poll showed.

In September 2013, French unemployment topped the three million mark during the second quarter, while the eurozone currency bloc as a whole began to emerge from recession.