France: Lecornu listens to the demands of unions and youth amid escalating social protests

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After weeks of demonstrations across France, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will receive on Monday in Matignon social partners and leaders of student movements to discuss their social demands. He promised to provide “concrete answers” following these discussions, particularly regarding increasing the minimum wage.

Published on: 09/11/2026 - 09:27 Last updated: 09/11/2026 - 09:39

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Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced the holding of a "social conference" at the Prime Minister's headquarters, Matinho, on Monday, in the presence of representatives of unions and employers.

A statement issued by the Presidency of the Government explained that this meeting aims to "provide answers to issues of purchasing power and wages."

Prime Minister Sebastien Lucerneau is meeting with union representatives first, then high school and university students, in an effort to calm the social anger that has been rising in France for several weeks. After meeting with the social partners in the morning, he will immediately discuss with representatives of high school and university students during the afternoon, before the first meeting of the Parkorsop University Guidance Reform Committee, which represents the core of their demands.

Read also: Mobilization continues in France against the high cost of living

In a letter sent on Friday to unions and employers, Sebastian Locorno said that he understood the public's "expectations" regarding purchasing power, as well as employers' "concerns" regarding employment, and promised "concrete answers" that he would provide to the press after the social meeting.

The scope of maneuver available to the Prime Minister is limited, because although he can raise the minimum wage among professions (Smic), which falls within his powers, he does not have the authority to increase other wages, and therefore depends on the social partners.