Title: Insufficient measures: The new plan to combat poverty in France
Introduction :
Faced with a worrying social situation and growing inflation, the French government has finally unveiled its new plan to combat poverty. Presented as measures going “in the right direction”, these initiatives are nevertheless considered largely insufficient by associations fighting against precariousness. This article examines the key actions of this plan and highlights the associations’ demands for an increase in social minimums.
1. Prevention of poverty from childhood:
The government announced the creation of a “colo pass” for CM2 children as well as the creation of 200,000 nursery places by 2030. These measures aim to fight poverty from an early age. In addition, the distribution of free breakfasts in certain schools will continue. However, the associations emphasize the need for a more global approach, in particular by strengthening access to education and health for all disadvantaged children.
2. Return to employment:
The plan includes measures such as the return to work bonus, which aims to encourage a return to work. This initiative is applauded by the associations, but they are also calling for an increase in housing assistance (APL) and better recognition of undocumented workers in sectors in tension. They also call for an increase in social minimums to enable people in precarious situations to meet their essential needs.
3. Fight against exclusion:
Maintaining the 203,000 existing emergency accommodation places as well as implementing the five-year “Housing First” plan are key measures to combat social exclusion. However, the associations are calling for a response more adapted to the specific needs of homeless people, particularly in terms of support towards housing and sustainable solutions.
4. Ecological transition:
The plan also provides for measures to ensure that the ecological transition does not worsen the precariousness of the most deprived people. This includes the continued distribution of energy vouchers to low-income households and the strengthening of the MaPrimeRenov’ system to promote energy savings in homes. Nevertheless, the associations emphasize the importance of taking into account the specificities of people in precarious situations in the ecological transition and ensuring that they fully benefit from the advantages of these initiatives.
Conclusion :
Although the new plan to combat poverty in France presents some positive measures, associations fighting against precariousness consider that they are largely insufficient to respond to the current social emergency. An increase in social minimums, an increase in housing assistance and better consideration of the specific needs of people in precarious situations are all demands expressed by these associations. It is essential that the government listens to these demands and takes concrete measures to fight poverty in an effective and sustainable manner.