French PM meets protesters over cost-of-living crisis

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu met representatives of employers’ organisations and private-sector unions to address cost-of-living concerns that have sparked some of France’s worst civil unrest in years. The meeting was an effort to ease the anger of French people, but the government has little room for manoeuvre due to its mounting debt burden. Lecornu presented measures to address the concerns at a press conference, including a small increase in the minimum wage.

The government has considered a further increase in the minimum wage, which was raised by €35 in June to €1,478 net per month to reflect higher inflation. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou stated that he would like the minimum wage to exceed €1,500 net, provided the increase does not harm employment. The CFDT, France’s largest union, is calling for a €100 net increase, while the hard-left CGT is demanding a 10 per cent rise, equivalent to around €150 net.

CGT chief Sophie Binet expressed that the hike cannot be minimal, saying “The hike can’t be €5, the price of a kilo of tomatoes.” She added that “Anger won’t disappear just because the government has announced a few extra euros for the minimum wage.” This indicates that the unions are seeking more substantial measures to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Protests erupted in French high schools in September and have since spiralled into a broader outpouring of anger over living costs, public services, and political stagnation. The unrest comes five months before France’s presidential election, with opinion polls suggesting far-right candidate Marine Le Pen will face hard-left rival Jean-Luc Melenchon in a run-off.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is completing his second term and has low approval ratings in opinion polls, is barred from running again. The government is eager to find ways to address the cost-of-living concerns and ease the anger of French people, but it faces significant challenges due to its debt burden.

The meeting between Lecornu and the representatives of employers’ organisations and private-sector unions was an effort to address the concerns and find a solution to the cost-of-living crisis. The government’s measures, including a small increase in the minimum wage, aim to provide some relief to French people.

The cost-of-living crisis has had a significant impact on French people, with protests and unrest erupting across the country. The government’s efforts to address the concerns and find a solution will be crucial in the coming months, especially with the presidential election approaching. The outcome of the election may also be influenced by the government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.

Key points

• French PM Sebastien Lecornu met representatives to address cost-of-living concerns.