France Implements Key Policy Changes as 2025 Begins

New regulations affect pensions, RSA requirements, rental properties, and everyday costs starting January 1.

Pensions for retirees will increase by 2.2% in 2025, reflecting inflation, after the government failed to pass a proposed budget that included smaller increases.
All RSA beneficiaries must now commit to 15-20 hours of weekly activities under a new engagement contract, with non-compliance potentially leading to aid suspension.
Rental of properties with the lowest energy efficiency rating (class G) is now prohibited, with stricter rules set to expand to other classifications in future years.
The use of restaurant vouchers in supermarkets is restricted to ready-to-eat items, reversing a pandemic-era policy that allowed broader use.
Everyday costs are rising, including gas prices, postage rates, public transport fares, and tobacco products, while the interest rate for new housing savings plans drops to 1.75%.