Benoît Hamon Advocates for Social and Solidarity Economy Amid Funding Cuts
Benoît Hamon emphasizes the importance of the social and solidarity economy while warning of funding cuts that could threaten jobs.
Key Points
- • Benoît Hamon highlights the ESS's role in addressing climate change and socio-economic challenges.
- • ESS currently generates significant revenue, with agricultural cooperatives alone contributing €104 billion.
- • Proposed government cuts to ESS funding could lead to the loss of 185,000 jobs, undermining social cohesion.
- • Hamon advocates for policies favoring non-profit solutions over profit-driven models in caregiving.
On June 3, 2025, Benoît Hamon, the president of ESS France, reinforced his commitment to promoting the social and solidarity economy (ESS) during a recent address in Rouen. He emphasized the ESS's critical role in tackling pressing challenges such as climate change, geopolitical disruption, demographic shifts, and the ongoing digital revolution, noting the sector's potential to enhance social cohesion in France.
Hamon pointed out that while startups contribute approximately €24.6 billion to the economy, cooperative enterprises, particularly in agriculture, generate an impressive €104 billion, with the overall cooperative sector reaching a total revenue of €360 billion. This data highlights ESS as a significant player in the French economy, yet recognition remains a hurdle. To address this, an ESS-focused branch will soon be established within INSEE, aiming to enhance documentation and advocacy for the sector.
Hamon's speech also voiced concerns over the government's proposed reduction in ESS funding, which he warns could jeopardize 185,000 jobs. He stated, "Such cuts threaten national unity and democracy," emphasizing the importance of subsidies to maintain dignity in public services, especially for vulnerable populations. Instead of prioritizing profit, he advocates for a model that favors non-profit entities in caregiving roles, which he argues is vital for justice in society.