The French government will raise the net monthly minimum wage 1.6% to €1,502
(≈$1,680) from Dec. 1 to address cost-of-living protests while seeking to limit
additional strain on fragile public finances, the prime minister said after
talks with unions and employers. The move is described as the second-largest
minimum-wage increase in 20 years. A minority government under pressure from
student-led demonstrations that have broadened into wider public
discontent—including episodes of violence such as looting and rioting on Oct.
17, though turnout eased last Saturday—says it has limited room to expand
spending given a large budget deficit, lack of a parliamentary majority and
under six months until the presidential election. Investors have sold French
bonds in recent months, pushing up government borrowing costs.
