The decrease in budgets will have “dramatic consequences” on the social and solidarity economy sector, denounced its stakeholders. Social and solidarity economy actors expressed alarm at the decrease in budgets planned by the government, estimating that 186,000 jobs would be lost. They described it as a “catastrophe that will impact the daily lives of French citizens, from daycare centers to nursing homes.” Benoît Hamon, president of ESS, an association of social and solidarity economy actors, criticized the government for impacting essential services such as elderly care, social integration, culture, and daycare centers.
At a press conference attended by organizations such as the Union of Social and Solidarity Economy Employers (UDES), the French Mutualité, and the Movement for Associations (700,000 associations), participants warned that the budget cuts proposed in the 2025 budget plan would lead to the destruction of 186,000 jobs out of the sector’s total of 2.6 million. The state budget plan discussed in a committee at the National Assembly includes 60 billion euros in savings, with 40 billion in spending reductions and 20 billion in tax increases. The social and solidarity economy sector estimates that the cumulative impact of these cuts will amount to 8.26 billion euros, with “dramatic consequences” as highlighted by UDES.
According to UDES, these budget cuts will directly impact employment and local services. Already underfunded, the sector will have to absorb further drastic reductions that could affect everyday workers and weaken structures serving the most vulnerable individuals. Claire Thoury, president of the Movement for Associations, emphasized the need to defend and preserve non-profit models. Benoît Hamon, a socialist candidate in the 2017 presidential election, warned that cost-cutting measures in areas like social inclusion and employment will ultimately lead to increased poverty and social unrest in the future.
The stakeholders of the social and solidarity economy sector are particularly concerned about the long-term implications of the government’s budget cuts. They argue that prioritizing short-term savings over essential services like social integration and employment access will have far-reaching negative effects on society. The potential consequences of these cuts include increased poverty, social upheaval, and reduced support for the most vulnerable populations. The sector is already facing financial challenges, and additional reductions in funding will exacerbate these issues, impacting both employees and service recipients.
As the debate over the government’s budget plan continues, social and solidarity economy actors are calling for a reevaluation of priorities to safeguard essential services and support structures for those in need. They stress the importance of investing in initiatives that promote social inclusion, employment opportunities, and community welfare. By advocating for the preservation of non-profit models and addressing the long-term implications of budget cuts, stakeholders hope to raise awareness about the potential impact on French society as a whole. Ultimately, they urge policymakers to consider the broader social consequences of their decisions and work towards solutions that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
