In recent months, the government has multiplied initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of inflation. With the distribution of many checks to families.
Fueled by energy and food prices, inflation could reach 4.4% this year, according to the Banque de France.
Unheard of for several decades. To cushion the economic shock, the government has put in place support aid for individuals. Review of details.
1. The purchasing power premium
Launched in 2018 with the “yellow vests” crisis, it was reactivated in March 2021. Initially set at €1,000, this aid, known as “Prime Macron”is paid by employers for wages up to 3 times the minimum wage.
It can go up to €2,000, depending on the case. It can be paid until March 31.
2. The energy check
Faced with the rise in the price of gas and electricity, the government set up in autumn 2021 an energy check in the amount of €100. Sent in December 2021, it will be valid until the end of March 2023. Nearly 6 million households are concerned.
3. The fuel discount
From April 1, the price of a liter of petrol at the pump will be reduced by 15 cents. This aid concerns all French people. It will last four months.
All types of fuel are concerned, since it was extended to natural gas and LPG. Distributors like Total (which will grant an additional 10 cents at the pump) should make an additional gesture, for their part.
4. Reinforced MaPrim’Rénov
The government is making a new gesture in favor of the ecological transition. The MaPrimeRénov’ thermal renovation aid system, available from households, has been reinforced.
From April 15, and until the end of the year, it will be increased by an additional €1,000. This aid may even go up to €9,000. In return, the fixed prices for the installation of gas boilers will be stopped at the same time.
5. Inflation compensation: too late
Last fall, the government announced the granting of inflation compensation to cushion the rise in energy prices observed at that time.
In the amount of €100, this individual and exceptional aid concerned 38 million French people. Its payment, in several stages, depending on the categories of beneficiaries, ended on February 28.
6. Aid for young employees
Little known, the financial aid “My job, my accommodation”, in the amount of €1,000, aims to facilitate access to accommodation for young working people and employees. It is distributed by Action Logement.
7. The cost of the resilience plan
According to our colleagues from Figaro, the resilience plan, presented on Wednesday by Prime Minister Jean Castex, would cost 7 billion euros. All the measures would cost them 30 billion.
It’s the rush to compare prices
Director and co-founder, in 2008, of the Essence & Co application, Pierre Auclair observes the rise in French people’s concern about rising energy prices. Its application, which allows you to compare fuel prices in cities, has seen the number of users explode.
“The number of monthly users has tripled in recent months, he observes. We are at almost 3.5 million users, against 1.5 million in January-February and 1 million before the summer.”
The trend is confirmed by Daniel Pham, founder of the competing application Essence/GasoilNow. “The volume of downloads has increased from 1 to 38,” he says. The craze was perceived between the end of February and the beginning of March. The first concern, “is the price”.