French presidential candidates split on minimum wage hike

The French government is open to an early minimum wage increase to address the purchasing power crisis, with talks underway with unions and employers ahead of a social conference scheduled for Monday at Matignon. Candidates in the presidential election hold varying positions on the issue. The CGT union demands an immediate 10% increase to 2,053.72 euros gross, while Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou warns a 150-euro rise could cost 250,000 jobs. Marine Le Pen rejects imposing increases on companies, proposing tax exemptions instead, while Édouard Philippe and Bruno Retailleau also oppose a hike. Other candidates offer alternatives: Jean-Luc Mélenchon proposes a 1,700-euro net minimum wage, Marine Tondelier promises 2,000 euros gross with aid for small firms, and Raphaël Glucksman suggests cutting CSG taxes funded by inheritance taxes. Gabriel Attal favors reducing employer charges, and Nicolas Dupont-Aignan backs a 1,600-euro net wage.