The Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal, unveiled his priorities on Tuesday, which include implementing reforms to reduce the number of workers earning the minimum wage and tackling the housing crisis by implementing shock measures such as requisitioning empty buildings. He emphasized the importance of work and announced reforms in the unemployment system.
In a speech at the National Assembly, Attal stated, “We cannot accept a France where many are condemned to remain close to the minimum wage throughout their entire career.” He outlined the main lines of action of his government, which took office on January 9.
However, Attal also pointed out the “paradox” of France having a minimum wage higher than its European neighbors (1,766.92 euros per month for full-time work) while a greater proportion of employees are stuck at that level or very close to it.
In order to address this issue, the prime minister announced reforms to better reward work, which will be included in the next finance law. These reforms will be based on the input from parliamentarians, social actors, and ongoing expert studies.
Attal also highlighted the need to address the housing crisis and proposed measures such as requisitioning empty buildings, particularly office buildings, to increase the housing supply in the market.
Other announcements in Attal’s speech included promises to farmers for a “French exception” amid protests, a strong commitment to “de-bureaucratize” France, and the experimentation of four-day work weeks in ministries.
Education was another important topic in Attal’s speech, as he addressed the riots from last summer and proposed firm measures such as assigning community service to parents who neglect minor delinquents and imposing educational community service sanctions on children under 16 years of age. Additionally, the government will suggest boarding school admission for children whose parents are unable to improve their behavior.
Attal frequently referred to the middle class in his speech and emphasized French identity, stating that it will not be diluted despite crises and uncertainty. He highlighted his own appointment as prime minister as evidence that the country is evolving.
Attal confirmed that there will be legislative proposals on highly anticipated issues such as euthanasia in the coming months. He also defended President Emmanuel Macron’s approach to the ecological transition, including the commitment to nuclear energy. He described it as a “popular” ecology that demands contributions according to means.
Lastly, Attal criticized the extreme right’s anti-European sentiments, particularly Marine Le Pen’s, accusing them of making Europe the scapegoat for all problems. He stated that leaving Europe would mean serving another country or power.
The speech did not convince the left or the right in the opposition. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, from La Francia Insumisa, accused Attal of delivering the “most reactionary general policy speech in a century”, while the conservative party, The Republicans, accused the government of betraying its agreement with them on the reform of State medical aid for irregular immigrants.