France increases minimum wage following civil unrest

On November 9, 2026, the French government announced a 1.6% increase in the national minimum wage, effective from December 1. The adjustment, which brings monthly earnings to approximately 1,502 euros, was confirmed by Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu following discussions with labor unions and employer organizations. This marks the third wage increase this year, totaling 75 euros, and is intended to mitigate the impact of living costs on low-income households as inflation reached 3.4% in October.

Despite the government's move, major unions including the CFDT and CGT have dismissed the raise as insufficient, describing the amount as "crumbs" compared to their demands for increases of up to 10% or 150 euros per month. The decision follows weeks of widespread social unrest that began in September, encompassing protests over public services and economic conditions. Prime Minister Lecornu acknowledged the inadequacy of the current increase but characterized it as the start of a broader dialogue on wage policies. Labor unions remain dissatisfied and have scheduled new nationwide strikes for the public sector on November 17 to continue their demands for more substantial financial relief.