Budget proposal criticized

The 2027 budget proposal, currently being reviewed by the National Assembly, has faced criticism for its potential effects on vulnerable groups. Olivier Noblecourt, president of the Alerte collective, described the plan as one that "impoverishes the poorest" and noted that the efforts outlined in the budget are "entirely unequally distributed."

Funding cuts and policy shifts

The proposal includes reductions in funding for programs aimed at helping people integrate into society and receive support. It also shifts the focus of the school start allowance to specific groups, according to Noblecourt, who added that the government’s plan fails to address the root causes of poverty and its most severe forms.

Poverty rate remains high

According to data from Insee, France’s national statistics office, the poverty rate in 2024 remained at 15.4% of the population, the highest level recorded since the indicator was introduced almost 30 years ago. This means that 9.8 million people lived below 60% of the median income, which was equivalent to 1,337 euros for a single person in 2024.

Support organizations struggle

Solidarity associations are reporting a surge in demand for their services but are also experiencing a decline in financial resources due to reduced public funding. These groups have mobilized this week to call for increased financial support from the government to meet the growing needs of the population.

Associations demand action

Tarek Daher, president of the Mouvement associatif, which represents 700,000 member associations, expressed concern that the voices of these organizations are not being heard. They are urging the government to increase personal housing allowances (APL), the activity bonus, and family benefits, while also requesting the removal of a one-year waiting period for certain foreigners in regular situations to access social benefits.