Following restructuring announcements at Michelin and Auchan, the French Minister of Industry, Marc Ferracci, warns of an imminent wave of redundancy plans in French factories

The automotive and chemical sectors seem particularly at risk, as France prepares to face a difficult period for its industry.

A series of imminent redundancy plans
In an interview with La Tribune, CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet painted a gloomy picture, referring to “an industrial bloodletting” that could see the loss of over 150,000 jobs across multiple sectors. In her view, this situation stems from strategies to maximize margins at the expense of employment. On the other hand, Antoine Armand, Minister of the Economy, believes that the international situation, marked by rising raw material and energy costs, is a key factor.

Automobiles and chemicals in the front line
The Michelin Group recently announced the closure of two plants in France, affecting more than 1,200 employees, while Stellantis and other players in the sector are also considering downsizing. In the chemicals sector, soaring energy costs are weakening companies, which are already planning massive job cuts to maintain their competitiveness.

Distribution and space industry also under pressure
The retail sector has not been spared: Auchan plans to cut 2,389 jobs due to market pressures, while the Casino group is reorganizing its activities, with thousands of jobs potentially at risk. Meanwhile, Europe’s space industry is facing growing competition from SpaceX, prompting Airbus and Thales to review their staffing levels in this area.

A crisis calling for a continental response
Marc Ferracci calls for a European response to counter the effects of Asian competition and energy difficulties, stressing the importance of joint support to protect the continent’s strategic industries. As France enters a period of uncertainty for its industrial sector, the question of resilience and the renewal of industrial models becomes more pressing than ever.