Paris, August 3 (BNA): French lawmakers approved, on Wednesday, a package of measures worth 20 billion euros ($20.3 billion) to help troubled families in the face of rising energy and food prices.
The vote, 395 to 112, came after a heated debate in the National Assembly, where French President Emmanuel Macron no longer had a majority. The Senate is expected to vote on the text later Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
The bill was a key promise from Macron, who was re-elected for a second term in April. It was also a critical test of the government’s ability to govern – and the ability of opposition forces to influence the law-making process.
Macron’s centrist coalition won the most seats in the National Assembly in June but lost its absolute majority as the left-wing coalition and the far-right made big gains and became powerful opposition forces.
The annual inflation rate has reached a record high of 8.6% in the 19 countries that use the common euro currency, and has been inflated by the massive increase in food and energy costs. In France, the annual inflation rate is estimated at 6.5%.
The bill also includes an increase in pensions and some welfare payments by 4%. On fuel, the current state-funded discount of 18 cents per liter will be increased to 30 cents in September and October.
Private companies are also encouraged to give employees an annual tax-free bonus of up to €6,000 ($6,080).
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