France open to raising minimum wage if it protects jobs, minister says

The French government is open to raising the minimum wage (SMIC) but insists it must not harm employment, according to Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou ahead of a social conference with employers and unions. Farandou acknowledged the massive November 5 protests, attributing the purchasing power crisis to fuel price spikes from Middle East conflicts and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which triggered new inflation. He noted that while wages outpaced inflation until late 2025, the prolonged fuel crisis now squeezes both households and businesses. The minister ruled out repeating the "whatever it costs" spending of past crises, citing France's limited budget capacity. He also highlighted additional pressures from political uncertainty and a devastating summer heatwave affecting agriculture.