French PM Lecornu holds talks over protesters' cost-of-living concerns

Behind the walls of the French prime minister's office, all weekend long, there was one pressing need. To find a response to the demand that has taken hold in the streets. Purchasing power. I think we need to drastically increase wages. There's no shortage of money, but it's not reaching us. Monday is a decisive day for the future of the social movement. France's prime minister, Sébastien Lecourneau, will meet with labour unions and employer organisations. At the heart of the discussions is an increase in the minimum wage. In the press, the country's Minister of Labour said... It would be important for it to reach the 1,500 euro net threshold. Currently, the minimum wage stands at nearly 1,478 euros net. 1,500 is a 22 euros increase, far short of the 100 demanded by one union or even 150 euros demanded by another. Discussions took place throughout the weekend and an increase of around 2% is on the table. This gesture has been welcomed by other unions. If we get a 2% rise, that is to say €30 per month, it won't be perfect, but it will be progress. There will be a government press briefing to announce its decisions. A second crucial meeting is scheduled for later in the afternoon. This time, Sébastien Lecourneau will meet with high school and college student organisations, which are still demanding €10 billion and the repeal of a higher education applications portal, Parcoursup. No major announcements are expected. Protests look set to continue this week, with teachers and students calling for further strike action on Tuesday.