The French Minister of Labor, Health, and Solidarity, Catherine Vautrin, met with several solidarity associations on June 3rd to discuss government priorities. At the meeting, Vautrin hinted that the suspension of the Specific Solidarity Allowance (ASS) was no longer on the agenda. Initially, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had announced the transition of the ASS, created in 1984, to the Active Solidarity Income (RSA) in January. However, the topic has not been addressed since then. While the project is not currently being pursued, the government maintains that it is not completely abandoned. Vautrin’s cabinet clarified that the reform of the unemployment insurance is the immediate focus, not the ASS.
The ASS, funded by the state at a cost of 1.65 billion euros in 2024, is provided to unemployed individuals who have exhausted all their unemployment benefits under certain conditions. If it were to be abolished, those reaching the end of their unemployment benefits would have to apply for the RSA, which is covered by the departments. Left-wing parties, unions, and anti-poverty associations strongly oppose the government’s proposal. The decision to delay the suspension of the ASS was well-received by Noam Leandri, president of the Alerte collective, which comprises 34 anti-poverty organizations. He believes the project has been abandoned due to the potential increase in RSA recipients, with departments likely expressing opposition.
During the meeting with solidarity associations, Vautrin also mentioned her efforts to increase the number of youth engagement contracts in the upcoming year. This program provides 18-25-year-olds with 15 to 20 hours of weekly activities in exchange for a monthly allowance of 528 euros. The participants noted two positive aspects from the meeting, including Vautrin’s commitment to this program and her overall refusal to prioritize the abolition of the ASS. The government’s decision comes after discussions with majority party MPs and signals a shift away from the controversial plan, which faced opposition from various stakeholders.
The delay in abolishing the ASS is seen as a significant victory by anti-poverty organizations, unions, and opposition parties. The decision reflects a willingness to listen to feedback and reconsider contentious proposals. Vautrin’s conversations with solidarity associations and MPs demonstrate a collaborative approach to social welfare reform and a willingness to address concerns from various sectors. By focusing on other initiatives, such as increasing youth engagement contracts, the government is signaling a willingness to invest in programs that benefit vulnerable populations and address their specific needs.
The ASS suspension issue remains unresolved, with the government emphasizing the current priority of unemployment insurance reform. While the project may resurface in the future, for now, the focus is on addressing immediate needs and working with stakeholders to find solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. The decision to delay the suspension of the ASS underscores the importance of consultation and collaboration in policy-making, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by social welfare changes are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
