On 10 December, French President Emmanuel Macron declared a ‘state of economic and social emergency’ and announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the ‘gilets jaunes’ crisis that has seen four weeks of violent protests over rising taxes along with eroding purchasing power. Included in the new measures is an increase of €100 per month for those earning close to the Smic income level, and the exemption from taxes and social contributions for overtime pay, along with a national debate on fiscal balance, climate change, the organization of State and public services, as well as on the issue of immigration.
In a televised address on 10 December, French President Emmanuel Macron solemnly announced a series of measures aimed at appeasing the ‘gilets jaunes’ movement that has wreaked havoc nationwide over the past four weeks. The President promised an extra €100 a month from 2019 for those on the ‘Smic’ level incomes ‘without any cost to employers’. In reality these are employees who are paid Smic level salaries who will benefit from a rise that relies in large part on a faster increase in the previously intended rise in the activity bonus (prime d’activité) of 80 Euros.
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