The government's increase in the minimum wage is a "symbolic rupture", believes economist Michaël Zemmour

At the end of the social conference organized by the government with social partners, unions and employers, Monday November 9, the minimum wage will increase to 1,502 euros net from December, an increase of 0.6% in addition to the automatic increase of 1% on inflation already planned. This overall increase of 1.6% is in addition to the automatic increase of 2.4% in June 2026. This is the first boost since 2012, which was also 0.6% at the time, under the presidency of François Hollande.

This is a “symbolic rupture”, comments on franceinfo Michaël Zemmour, teacher-researcher in economics at Lumière-Lyon-II University, member of the Triangle social sciences research laboratory. The economist recognizes on the part of the government "a transgression in relation to a certain number of political positions". But “it would have taken 130 euros more.

There we are at 23 euros. “Favorable to the economic program of the New Popular Front, which advocated a revival of the economy through consumption and therefore through a massive increase in wages, Michaël Zemmour believes that “it is really the right time to revive wages”: “The average purchasing power of wages today is lower than its 2019 level for most professions. It was so successful that we created aid for low-wage employees: the activity bonus.

"It is time for the State to assume its role" However, the activity bonus to help low wages is supported by public finances, and this is the real crux of the problem, explains the economist. It is for the government, with this increase in the minimum wage, to provide "leverage", for future salary negotiations to come within companies, between unions and bosses. "For several years, when there are demands for purchasing power, the government intervenes and finally takes out the public checkbook rather than letting salary increases take place.

"Michaël Zemmour at franceinfo"Given the state of public finances, it is time to backtrack and let salary negotiations become dynamic again, continues the economist. So, for the State, it is time to withdraw from this game between employers and employees to assume its role, for example by raising social minimums for people who do not work. "Michaël Zemmour regrets that the public authorities are no longer putting pressure on employers: "The government is not creating conditions to organize salary negotiations with a credible threat by saying 'either you increase salaries, or I will intervene directly'.

Machine-translated from French