Overview
- The 2026 finance bill proposes reserving the annual Christmas bonus for households with children, narrowing a payment now received by more than 2.2 million households including many RSA recipients.
- Jean-Pierre Farandou said on BFMTV he would consider suspending the change if a compensating revenue source is identified.
- Farandou defended the proposal as part of efforts to restore Sécurité sociale finances, calling the system’s shortfall a real concern.
- Economy Minister Roland Lescure described the targeting as reasonable and said it would save only a few million euros, while warning lawmakers must find revenue if they reverse it.
- Union leaders Marylise Léon (CFDT) and Sophie Binet (CGT) condemned the plan, rejecting the notion that the bonus is a matter of generosity and labeling the move shameful and petty.