France accelerates minimum wage hike in bid to quell protest

France will bring forward a 1.6 per cent minimum wage increase by one month, taking effect on 1 December 2026, as protests over living costs widen. The move comes after student demonstrations over school funding grew into broader unrest, with the government seeking to ease social tensions ahead of presidential elections.

The increase lifts the monthly minimum wage from €1,477.93 to €1,502, a rise of €24. Lecornu called it the second-largest increase in 20 years and said it was designed to avoid job losses. Major unions say it falls short: the CFDT wants a €100 rise, while the CGT is calling for a 10 per cent increase.