Zimmerbach. Conference-debate: economists examine work

Benjamin Huin-Morales, a graduate of the ENA (National School of Administration) and mayor of Zimmerbach, likes to organize conferences on social issues two or three times a year. "We won't rebuild our country without reestablishing the value of work. I believe in a rising France, one that wants to earn a living, to rise above its peers, and, in doing so, to rise above our country."

The evening will focus on work, retirement, and political sentiment, adds the mayor, who will also be hosting the event. "It will be about how to value work."

To debate this highly topical subject, he has invited Antoine Foucher, former chief of staff to the Minister of Labor and Employment, Muriel Pénicaud, from 2017 to 2020 and author of the book "Sortir du travail qui ne paie plus" (Getting Out of Work That No Longer Pays) . Paul-Armand Veillon and Louis de Crevoisier will debate alongside him.

These economists and ministerial advisors have published the essay "Restarting from Reality - Economy: The Middle Classes Speak Out!" We reached them by phone.

Antoine Foucher doesn't beat around the bush. He advocates a "big bang" that involves a significant reduction in social security contributions and a net increase in salaries of 25% over the next five years. "The problem, for the first time since 1945, is that the majority of people who work are no longer improving their standard of living." This has been going on for fifteen years, a period of time too long in his eyes for the phenomenon to be merely a parenthesis.

"Out of every 100 euros earned, employees only keep 54." The essayist proposes putting the issue to voters through a referendum. "Do we continue or do we stop? If we stop, to have a job that pays and social protection, we need to ask a little less of those who work and a lot more of those who are rentiers, the highest-income retirees, and the luckiest heirs." The inadequacy of work remuneration is felt by politicians of all stripes, and he finds this encouraging.

"We wrote an economics book, but aimed at the general public." Louis de Crevoisier says he wanted to provide answers to the questions the middle class is asking. In terms of economic security, living conditions, and social advancement. He and Paul-Armand Veillon drew on the grievance books published in 2019.

"There has been progress in employment, lifestyle, and transportation. As for upward mobility, we are awaiting sufficient responses." The authors want to "put work at the heart of the project." They therefore propose the establishment of a "wage shield," a way, according to them, to climb the social ladder while maintaining social benefits.

To finance the social system, they advocate a rebalancing. "We must exploit other sources of wealth, such as the taxation of holding companies and social VAT. If we do nothing, France will become a society of heirs."

Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m., Hohnack Hall, Zimmerbach - A friendly drink offered by the town. Free admission, reservations (required) until June 24 at 03 89 71 10 14 or [email protected]