What’s new for the French from November 1st?

November 1st marks a number of changes in the day-to-day lives of the French, with measures aimed at boosting purchasing power, reinforcing housing safety during winter, and improving public health.

– Smic increase
As announced, the Smic has been raised by 2%, bringing the gross monthly salary to €1,801.80, or €1,426.30 net. The net hourly wage is now 9.40 euros. This revaluation, linked to inflation, concerns a growing number of employees, with 17.3% paid the Smic at the start of the year.

– Increase in supplementary pensions
Supplementary pensions for private-sector employees (Agirc-Arrco) have risen by 1.6%, i.e. an extra 13 euros for a pension of 800 euros a month. Although this increase is still slightly below the estimated inflation rate, it does partially alleviate the effects of the high cost of living on pensioners.

– Start of the winter truce
The winter truce, now in effect, prohibits all rental evictions until March 31, with the exception of a few specific cases (illegal occupation, court order for eviction from the marital home, etc.), offering tenants a period of protection during the coldest months.

– Winter tires back on the road in certain départements
In 34 départements, motorists are now required to use winter tires or removable equipment such as chains. Tires must display the “3PMSF” label to comply, and motorists are asked to keep this equipment on board their vehicles until the end of March.

– Revision of gas rates
The benchmark gas price has been revised downwards, with the average rate per kWh dropping to 0.10932 euros for gas heating subscribers. Although the decrease is slight, it could reduce bills for many households.

– Widespread screening of newborns for sickle cell disease
Screening for sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder, is extended to all newborns in mainland France. This decision, prompted by the rising incidence of the disease, aims to identify and treat children affected by this pathology, the leading cause of stroke in children, at an early stage.

– Tighter criteria for the “Coup de pouce Rénovation” bonus
Access to the “Coup de pouce Rénovation performante” bonus has been restricted to co-ownerships with at least three separate tax households, and meeting new administrative conditions. Collective buildings must devote a majority of their lots to the principal residence, and the criteria for replacing heating systems have also been tightened.

These new features reflect our determination to meet the challenges of purchasing power, safety and public health, by providing targeted support to citizens and tightening up energy subsidies.