French Construction Sector Urgently Calls for Stability Amid Rising Challenges

Frédéric Carré, the newly appointed president of the Fédération française du bâtiment, has highlighted the pressing need for regulatory stability and increased investment in France's construction and renovation sectors. Speaking amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty and a slowdown in housing market activity, Carré stressed that the sector has been undervalued for the past decade, resulting in significant challenges including rising material costs and job losses. The industry lost 50,000 jobs recently, yet requires 60,000 new hires every year to offset retirements.

A central priority outlined by Carré is the construction of 2 million new homes by 2030, equating to 400,000 homes annually, to address the country's housing crisis affecting millions of poorly housed individuals. He further detailed how renovation accounts for 55% of sector activity, but current goals, especially in energy efficiency upgrades, remain unmet and demand massive investment.

Carré also pointed to the inefficiencies and financial burdens caused by the existing waste collection system, calling for systemic reform. To revitalize the workforce, he advocates for efforts to attract young talent by emphasizing innovation and appealing career opportunities. Looking forward, Carré plans to engage political actors to elevate the significance of the construction sector, culminating in a major event in November to share their vision with presidential candidates.

Carré underscored the economic importance of housing, noting it generates €100 billion for the state at a cost of only €40 billion, underscoring the fiscal benefits of sector investment and stability.