Social Policy
2026 budget risks for France's poorest households
Three months after Insee reported a record poverty increase in France in 2023, affecting 15.4% of the population, the 2026 finance and social security funding bills propose savings measures that could raise the number of poor people. These include freezing social benefits and other cuts impacting low-income households.
Government plans to raise family allowance increase age from 14 to 18
In search of savings, the French government plans to delay the family allowance boost from the second child until age 18, up from 14. Set for March 2026, the change would save around 200 million euros. It aims to fund a new birth leave amid budget pressures.
Global review exposes harms to women and children from men's alcohol use
A new study led by La Trobe University reveals the widespread damage caused by men's heavy drinking to women and children around the world. The research, drawing from 78 academic papers, highlights risks like violence and economic strain, especially in areas with high gender inequality. Experts urge gender-responsive alcohol policies to protect vulnerable families.
Opposition criticizes government's benefits reform
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Social Democrats' Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh warns that the government's new benefits reform hits poor child families hardest and risks increasing poverty. The reform, presented in September, aims to boost incentives for work but faces sharp criticism in a debate on SVT's Agenda. Social services minister Anna Tenje defends the changes as necessary to break cycles of exclusion.
Nicolas Duvoux calls to review the 2026 budget project
Nicolas Duvoux, president of the National Council for Policies to Combat Poverty, warns of worsening poverty due to the 2026 budget project. In an interview with Le Monde, he expresses concern over the impact of freezing social benefits for precarious individuals. This follows a record increase in the poverty rate announced by Insee in July.