Paris:French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced a 1.6% increase in the minimum wage and measures to support purchasing power as social mobilization continued across the country. The minimum wage increase, revealed by Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou, will take effect on December 1, raising the net monthly minimum wage to £1,502 ($1,740).
According to Anadolu Agency, Lecornu described this increase as the second-largest minimum wage rise in France in 20 years, emphasizing it was "not just symbolic." He argued that a larger increase could lead to significant job losses in the long term. Lecornu stated that the government would use available tools in the short term to address purchasing power concerns, such as energy-related bonuses, higher tax-free overtime allowances, and tax exemptions for profit-sharing bonuses. Amendments to the 2027 budget bill are planned to implement these measures.
Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced a proposal to maintain the £1,000 ($1,120) cap on the fuel allowance for employees in 2027, a ceiling that was raised from £300 ($336) last year due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Lescure emphasized the aim to limit uncertainties over inflation and purchasing power.
Lecornu also mentioned that he no longer believed in announcements without tangible results, citing the release of 10 million barrels of diesel as a concrete measure. He stated that the minimum wage revaluation, while not sufficient on its own, would initiate discussions on wage increases. A wage monitoring committee is set to meet with trade unions and employers soon to address social issues.
A new week of social mobilization started with Lecornu's office organizing a social conference with trade unions and employers' organizations. However, several trade unions and youth representatives not invited to the conference have called for strikes and demonstrations. As of Monday morning, 31 high schools in France were blocked, representing 0.8% of the country's high schools, with no disruptions reported in most departments. In Ile-de-France, 50 high schools faced disruptions, and approximately 30 incidents involving mortar fireworks were reported, leading to complaints filed over damage at three high schools.