SMIC, Electricity, DPE, Cigarettes… What’s Changing for the French Starting January 1, 2025
- What’s the New SMIC Increase for 2025?
- Why Is MaPrimeRénov’ Suspended?
- How Will Gas and Electricity Prices Shift?
- What’s New for Parental Leave?
- Why Are Stamp Prices Jumping 7.4%?
- Which Cigarette Packs Will Cost More?
- FAQs
As we step into 2025, several key changes are set to impact the daily lives of French citizens. From wage adjustments to energy prices and new parental leave policies, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
What’s the New SMIC Increase for 2025?
The French minimum wage (SMIC) will see a modest bump of 1.18% starting January 1, 2025. This raises the gross hourly rate from €11.88 to €12.02. For full-time employees, this translates to a net monthly increase of around €17—hardly life-changing, but every bit helps. This adjustment isn’t a political MOVE but a standard recalculation tied to inflation. Other wage-related updates include a rise in the minimum salary for civil servants from €1,801.74 to €1,822.97, while interns will now earn €4.50 per hour, up from €4.35.
Why Is MaPrimeRénov’ Suspended?
Due to the French Parliament’s failure to pass a budget before the end of 2024, the government’s energy renovation aid program, MaPrimeRénov’, is temporarily on hold. Meanwhile, the Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE) has been tweaked to favor smaller homes with electric heating, allowing 700,000 properties to escape the "energy sieve" classification (DPE F or G). That’s a small win, though 5.4 million such homes still remain.
How Will Gas and Electricity Prices Shift?
Gas subscribers face a €13.10 annual hike in subscription fees, though kilowatt-hour rates will drop slightly—just not enough to offset the increase. Electricity prices are murkier: the Finance Inspectorate warns of potential spikes due to CEE (energy savings certificates), but the government insists bills will stabilize in 2026–2027. For now, brace for volatility.
What’s New for Parental Leave?
New parents get a boost with an extended birth leave option. This 1–2 month benefit, complementing existing maternity/paternity leave, offers higher compensation (potentially 70% of salary for the first month) and can be taken flexibly in segments. A welcome change for work-life balance.
Why Are Stamp Prices Jumping 7.4%?
La Poste is raising rates to counter declining mail volumes. Starting January 1, a green stamp climbs to €1.52 (from €1.39), while registered mail hits €6.11 (up from €5.74). Blame it on the digital age—fewer letters mean higher costs for senders.
Which Cigarette Packs Will Cost More?
France’s anti-smoking campaign marches on: select cigarette brands will see price hikes as part of a push to hit €13 per pack by 2027. Check the customs website for the full list. If you’re a smoker, your wallet’s about to feel the burn.
FAQs
How much is the SMIC increasing in 2025?
The SMIC rises by 1.18%, lifting the hourly wage from €11.88 to €12.02 gross.
Is MaPrimeRénov’ still available?
No—it’s suspended indefinitely due to the unresolved 2025 budget.
Will electricity prices stabilize?
The government promises stability by 2026, but 2025 could see fluctuations.
