Fuel aid, pension strike action, tax credits: The week ahead in France

Monday, January 16

Applications open for workers’ €100 fuel allowance

Website and telephone applications are open from today for drivers who are eligible for the €100 workers’ fuel allowance. This allowance replaces the universal fuel rebate that was automatically applied at the pump in petrol stations until December 31, 2022.

Income and vehicle use criteria apply - see more in the article below as well as how to apply.

Read more: France fuel costs: €100 aid cheque applications open

Government tax-credit for millions of homes

More than nine million households in France are set to receive tax credits and reductions paid directly into their bank accounts today.

On average, households will receive €624, with the exact amount depending on your tax return.

Read more: Why millions of households in France are about to receive a tax credit

MPs to examine domestic violence law

MPs are set to examine a legal proposition to create an urgent universal financial fund for victims of domestic violence.

Davos world economic forum opens

The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) opens in Davos, Switzerland.

Film festival opens

The 26th edition of the Féstival International du Film de Comédie de l’Alpe Huez opens.

Tuesday, January 17

Education union march

Representatives from unions FSU and Snes for education staff are to stage a protest march demanding that the government reevaluates their wages. The strike is meant to be a foretaste of a bigger strike from education staff on Thursday.

Senate to examine nuclear law

The Senate is to start the first reading of the proposed law to accelerate the building of new nuclear energy projects.

Extreme-right trial to start

Court proceedings are set to begin in the trial of 13 members of the extreme right group les Barjols in connection with an alleged attack against President Macron in 2018.

Wednesday, January 18

Rideshare drivers sign deal

Rideshare drivers (on platforms like Uber) are set to sign an agreement with drivers’ unions for a minimum fee per journey.

Read also: Car-sharers in France can get €100 bonus even if not new app users

Thursday, January 19

Day of pension strikes

Unions plan a day of action and protests against the government’s planned pension reform. France’s eight biggest unions are expected to join the strike in a joint alliance unseen for 12 years. The leader of one of the main unions, the CGT, Philippe Martinez, said he expects a million French people to join in the demonstrations throughout the country.

Education, transportation staff from both RATP and SNCF, truckers and refineries are to join in a coalition of sectors. Hospital and police workers have not yet declared if they will also be joining the action.

Read more: French pension strike: union says it aims to ground all transport

Read more: Age, new minimum amount: What does France’s pension reform involve?

Friday, January 20

Murder appeal begins

An appeal into one of France’s most notorious trials for femicide is set to start in Ajaccio in Corsica. The former partner of Julie Douib, a woman who died from gunshots despite having reported and raised the alarm many times about her violent husband, is to be rejudged. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2019.

Economy meeting

A round table meeting on the economy is scheduled to take place at the WEF in Davos, with French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, and the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva.

Documentary film festival

The 5th edition of the documentary film festival, Fipadoc, is set to take place in Biarritz.

Saturday, January 21

Retirement march planned

Unions and the public are set to march against pension reform, answering a call by opposition party La France Insoumise in an effort to include young people among the cohort of demonstrators.

Dunkirk carnival begins

The famous Dunkirk carnival, which takes place over several weeks until March, is set to begin in the port town. The carnival dates back to the 17th century, when it started as a feast for fishermen.

Events are scheduled until March 11 this year, including music, dancing, processions, and sports events.

Sunday, January 22

International gastronomy final

The final of the international gastronomy chef competition le Bocuse d’Or is set to take place in Lyon.

Elysée treaty anniversary

German and French ministers and MPs are set to meet in Paris and Bundestag for the anniversary of the Elysée treaty. The treaty was first signed in 1963 between France and West Germany, by President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

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