President’s driving cheque plan ‘idiotic’

President Macron said he was in favour of extending a system in place in Hauts-de-France, where workers who drive more than 30km per day and earn less than twice the minimum wage (currently €1,498 per month before deductions), would receive a monthly bonus of €20.

Pierre Chasseray, of the lobby group 40 Millions d’automobilistes, told Connexion: “It is completely idiotic. On the one hand they slap on taxes and then, instead of lowering the taxes when they become insupportable, they introduce a ‘payment’ as if it is a present.

“If they give the credit to everyone who earns below €2,996 gross per month, there will be hardly anyone who does not get repaid. It would be simpler to just admit the mistake and lower taxes.”

Mr Chasseray was dismissive of the November 17 protest. “It has no support from serious organisations,” he said.

Elsewhere, President Macron said he was in favour of extending the current bonus to help buy cleaner vehicles, including second-hand ones.