New for the new year. This first day of the year 2023 marks the arrival of a multitude of changes in the daily life of the French. In terms of taxes, but also income, daily life and transport, the purchasing power of individuals will inevitably be impacted by these changes.
The government had already announced, for example, the establishment of the free condom for those under 26. The Later also warned of the end of red stamp from this new year. Europe 1 presents the main changes, effective from January 1, 2023.
Smic and retirement pensions revalued
This January 1 marks the automatic rise in the minimum wage, launched this year by the high inflation that France has been experiencing for several months. The minimum wage increases to 1,353 euros net, an increase of 1.8% corresponding to an increase of 24 euros. This increase comes following two exceptional revaluations in 2022, in May and August, in response to the increase in the cost of living. The lowest paid civil servants will also see their income increase by 1.8%.
Like the minimum wage, retirement pensions will also be increased to respond to inflation. It is the third increase in one year for pensions. On January 1, they increased by 0.8%.
Income tax goes down
Still in a context of inflation, the brackets of the scale of income tax are adjusted. Households receiving less than 10,777 euros will keep a rate at 0%. People earning between 10,777 and 27,478 euros will see a rate of 11% apply. The tax rate will be 30% for income between 27,478 and 78,570 euros.
Good news also for the beneficiaries of personal housing assistance: the APLs will also be upgraded and raised.
Government aid for inflation remains active
The government has decided to extend the tariff shield for private gas subscribers. This shield, set at 15%, was put in place to contain the rise in energy prices and relieve the French.
On the pump side, the rebate granted by the government is replaced by a “fuel allowance”. After a discount of 30 cents per liter on September 1, down to 10 cents on November 16, this famous reduction at the pump is coming to an end. From now on, an indemnity of 100 euros for the whole of 2023 will be granted and paid to around 10 million so-called “modest” workers.
New supports for soft mobility
The government wants to continue to develop the soft mobility and reduce the harmful effects of private cars in 2023. Drivers embarking on short-distance carpooling will be able to receive, for example, a bonus of 100 euros as part of the national daily carpooling plan. In 2023, the ecological bonus for the acquisition of a new vehicle will be reserved for passenger cars and electric vans. The amount of aid may be up to 5,000 euros for the acquisition of a car and 6,000 euros for a van.
The State is also increasing its aid for the purchase of bicycles. The bonuses and premiums for conversion, already revalued from August 15, extend into 2023. The eligibility thresholds for its aid will also be raised on January 1, in order to cover 50% of the most modest households.
In end of many EPZs of French metropolises tighten the screw, and close their access to the most polluting vehicles. This is the case in Strasbourg, Nice or Toulouse.
Towards a greener year 2023
As of 1 January 2023, establishments of fast food will be prohibited from serving disposable tableware to customers consuming on site. Paper cups, fries trays and other packaging will be replaced by washable and reusable glasses and dishes. This measure concerns brands serving more than 20 covers simultaneously.
As for private waste, it will now be easier to sort. All plastic packaging can be recycled. Some metropolises go further, such as Strasbourgwhere all packaging, whether plastic or metal, must be placed in the yellow bin from 1 January.