The 2025 finance law has been enacted after delays, significantly impacting the economy, particularly the construction sector. It includes provisions like tax exemptions on tips, increased penalties for polluting vehicles, and support for agriculture. A new food assistance program offering €150 vouchers aims to help vulnerable populations, piloted in several municipalities. This initiative, operating on a contributory model, seeks to alleviate food insecurity as demand for aid rises. Environmental advocates push for national implementation and discussions in Parliament are ongoing.
The Passage of the 2025 Finance Law
The **2025 finance law** has finally been passed after enduring several months of delays, amidst fierce opposition that ultimately led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier just weeks into his term. The absence of a vote on the **2025 Budget** had significant repercussions for the nation’s economy, particularly impacting the construction industry, where firms could not assure clients of any state assistance for building or renovation projects. Additionally, there was lingering uncertainty regarding the new income tax brackets and the financial support available for lower-income households.
This finance law, which was pushed through by the government using Article 49:3 of the Constitution, introduces several noteworthy provisions, including a **tax exemption on tips**, **increased penalties for polluting vehicles**, various **initiatives to support the agricultural sector**, and a commitment to promote the transition to clean vehicles. The law establishes an annual incentive tax related to the purchase of low-emission light vehicles, specifically aimed at companies with fleets of at least 100 vehicles, as detailed on the Ministry of Economy’s official website.
New Initiatives for Food Security
The year 2025 may also mark the introduction of a significant new assistance program aimed at assisting the most vulnerable populations: a **150 euro food voucher**. This initiative is framed as an **extension of Social Security**, not in the healthcare domain, but rather in the realm of food support. Reports suggest that this program will enable beneficiaries to receive additional financial aid for purchasing quality food from designated partner stores. Numerous municipalities, including Bordeaux, Montpellier, Clermont-Ferrand, and parts of Paris and Gironde, have already begun piloting this aid, which is **not contingent on income levels**.
Nantes Métropole is also rolling out this initiative, as explained by Benjamin Sèze, a journalist focused on social issues. He emphasized that low-income individuals often prioritize rent and essential expenses, leading to compromises in both food quantity and quality. Many resort to purchasing inexpensive calories that fail to meet nutritional requirements, which can adversely affect health. The demand for food assistance in Loire-Atlantique has surged, with the number of households receiving such aid more than doubling from 16,000 to 34,000 between 2020 and 2024. In contrast, donations have seen a decline, with supermarkets opting to sell surplus items at discounted prices instead of donating them, often to benefit from tax breaks.
This food assistance program operates on a **contributory model**, similar to Social Security, with stores participating in the scheme needing to be **contracted**. Contributions will vary, ranging from 10 to 250 euros, with all enrolled households receiving **monthly credits per person**, which includes children, for food purchases. Currently, to access any food aid, individuals must apply through a social worker, presenting necessary documentation such as pay slips, tax notices, and utility bills. The final decision regarding aid approval rests with the social worker after a thorough review of the application.
Environmental advocates are calling for the expansion of these pilot programs to be implemented on a national scale over a five-year period. The proposal is set to be discussed in Parliament, with MP Charles Fournier stating, *’This is not about establishing a food security system today, but there is a need to provide a framework, to recall the principles, and to test this fairly everywhere in France.’* The developments are set to continue as the discussions progress.