Despite statistical gains, purchasing power remains the French public's top worry for 2026 per the recent Odoxa poll for Le Figaro—outranking insecurity and immigration. In response, new Minister Serge Papin proposes tax-free withdrawals from company savings plans for low-wage earners.
The Odoxa poll for Le Figaro, which identified boosting purchasing power as the leading priority for 2026 (ahead of reducing insecurity and immigration), underscores a persistent public anxiety dating back to the early 2000s and amplified by the 2008 crisis.
Although official data shows purchasing power rising, many French people do not perceive this improvement. The Lecornu government has tackled this disconnect by appointing Serge Papin, former Système U CEO, as Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Commerce, Artisanat, Tourism, and Purchasing Power.
Papin has proposed allowing employees earning less than two SMIC (minimum wage) to withdraw up to 2,000 euros tax-free from their company savings plans (PEE) in 2026. This targeted measure aims to provide immediate relief to modest households, signaling official recognition of the gap between economic indicators and lived experience amid ongoing concerns for the year ahead.
