Protect “the weakest” to “weather this storm”. There was an air of “whatever it costs” from the Covid era, this Wednesday evening, October 26, on the set of “L’Événement” on France 2. Asked about galloping inflation – which is reaching “ between 6 and 6.5% “- Emmanuel Macron assured that it was necessary to come to the aid of the most precarious households, but also of companies battered by rising energy costs.
However, our “dependencies” (diesel, gas and electricity whose prices have soared) have already cost 85 billion euros from public finances. “Half of this shock was borne by the state, detailed the head of state. Companies carried more than a third, 40% and households between 5 and 6%. »
But the inflationary shock was not the same for all households, far from it. For the most precarious, the rise in food or fuel prices has had a much more massive impact than for wealthy households. The checkbook will therefore be targeted at the most modest.
How ? Unsurprisingly, Emmanuel Macron recalled aid already announced, such as the 15% tariff shield for gas and electricity prices from January 1, the mechanical revaluation of the minimum wage or social minima, the establishment of an assistance device at the pump to accompany the big wheelers who need their vehicle to go to work at the beginning of January… “We must also help the students by extending the meals to one euro”, he specified.
An increase limited to 15% for VSEs and SMEs, as well as local authorities
What about companies? They are not forgotten, as during the Covid-19. While the aid put in place in recent months to support the bosses in dealing with energy prices was often poorly identified, deemed too complex, two devices should be specified this Friday by Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne.
A system for energy-intensive VSEs (such as bakeries), SMEs and small local authorities will be deployed to limit energy costs – as for households – to a 15% increase. “This will make it possible to amortize things if prices soar,” commented Emmanuel Macron, without further specifying the amount of support or the terms.
In addition, intermediate-sized companies (ETI) and large groups will have access to an aid window with possible down payments for “those who suffer”, with in particular simplified criteria. The Head of State did not specify the amount of the bill for these devices.