France increases minimum wage by 1.6 percent

Under pressure from ongoing mass protests over a lack of purchasing power, France is increasing the minimum wage by 1.6 percent from December. This means that a minimum wage increase originally planned for January, which was not initially planned to this extent, will be brought forward by a month, said Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou. The industries are now called upon to also increase the minimum wages in their industry collective agreements.

With the increase, the minimum wage will rise from around 1,867 euros to around 1,897 euros. Based on a 35-hour week, that's almost 30 euros more gross. The net minimum wage is likely to rise to 1,502 euros. This corresponds to an increase of 24 euros compared to the current level. The minimum wage was raised by 35 euros in June to take account of increased inflation.

Overall, the minimum wage has been increased by 5.3 percent this year, said the minister. In Germany, the minimum wage is currently 13.90 euros gross per hour. With a weekly working time of 35 hours and an assumed four weeks per month, this corresponds to 1,946 euros. The minimum wage in Germany will increase to 14.60 euros per hour on January 1, 2027.

Union criticizes commitments as inadequate

After weeks of demonstrations, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called a social conference with workers' and employers' associations to discuss issues related to purchasing power and wages. It's about seeing what is realistic and feasible, said the Prime Minister. In addition to the minimum wage increase, the government announced increases in a number of subsidies and aid.

Following the social summit, the CGT trade union federation spoke of “crumbs” that the government had handed out and announced a new national strike and protest day for November 17th.

Protests for weeks

The French have been taking their discontent to the streets for weeks. What began as a protest against the underfunding of schools has expanded into a wave of protests - with riots and looting taking place in several major cities.

The government is under pressure due to growing social tensions. Presidential elections are coming up in five months, in which the right-wing populist Marine Le Pen has a good chance.