“The State will be there”promised the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, presenting Wednesday March 16 a “economic and social resilience plan” to deal with the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine. This plan is intended for “protect households and businesses from the immediate consequences of the shock” due, in particular, to the rise in the prices of raw materials and energy. “We have a duty to prepare for a long crisis”said the Prime Minister, stressing that the repercussions on the European economy were “the inevitable counterpart of the reality and effectiveness of our sanctions”.
The Prime Minister thus announced that the discount at the pump of 15 centimes per liter of fuel, granted by the government from April for a period of four months, would be extended to natural gas vehicles (NGV) and petroleum gas liquefied (LPG).
This discount “will concern all French people, in mainland France and overseas, individuals and all professionals alike”said Mr. Castex. “In particular, drivers, taxis and medical transporters, farmers, public works and fishermen will be able to benefit from the measure, but also all professions who use their vehicles a lot, such as home helpers”detailed the Prime Minister.
Accompanied by the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, Jean Castex once again called on oil companies to “a complementary gesture” and let it be known that TotalEnergies had “gave its agreement in principle to go beyond the State’s effort”.
Aid of 35 cents per liter of diesel for fishermen
For companies, new aid will be granted to those whose gas and electricity expenses represent “at least 3% of their turnover” and facing a sharp rise in energy costs. This aid, which will concern industry in particular, will be distributed without conditions of size or sector and “will allow the management of half of the surplus of their energy expenditure”said the Prime Minister.
Three systems already in place since the start of the Covid-19 crisis will also be strengthened. The borrowing ceiling for the loan guaranteed by the State has been raised to 35% of turnover, instead of 25% today. The deferrals of tax and social charges will be “facilities for companies affected by rising energy prices or export restrictions”. Finally, recourse to long-term partial activity is “extended for an additional twelve months for agreements already signed”detailed Jean Castex, adding that companies not covered by this system could “sign agreements until the end of 2022”.
The Prime Minister also announced a series of targeted measures for fishermen, farmers, transport companies, construction companies and exporting companies. Addressing the latter, Jean Castex urged not to “not give in to the temptation to withdraw”.
For fishermen, whose activity is essential to “our food sovereignty”underlined the Prime Minister, the government will bring a “exceptional financial aid equivalent to 35 cents per liter of fishing diesel”, until July 31. For farmers, and breeders in particular, very affected by the rise in animal feed prices. An envelope of 400 million euros is planned for a “four-month transitional aid” who “will make up for the losses”.