To counter the increase in the price of fuel, the French government has announced that it will give 100 euros to all citizens who can count on monthly income of less than two thousand euros. To benefit from the aid – which will be included in the December paycheck or will be paid at the beginning of the year to pensioners, students and the unemployed – an estimated 38 million French people, including those who do not drive at all.
The contribution will be tax-free and Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced that it will cost the treasury 3.8 billion euros: a much lower figure, he explained, than what it would cost to cut the cost of diesel.
According to a recent survey carried out also in view of the imminent race to the Elysée, that of purchasing power is the main concern of the French, much in the face of issues heralded by the far right such as security and immigration.
In France, the price at petrol stations increased by another 2 cents last week, reaching an average level of 1.56 euros per liter for diesel and 1.62 euros for unleaded petrol. Castex defended the government’s efforts to tackle the rise in energy prices by specifying that “this kind of inflation allowance” intended for 38 million Frenchmen will be paid automatically. The French “will not have to do anything, it will be automatic. We will go through different circuits. We will provide the details in the next few days”.
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