Laurent Wauquiez, Republican presidential candidate, found with RSA in collimator

Laurent Wauquiez aims to cap RSA access at two years, claiming it'll combat "deadbeat culture" and elevate work value. Here's the lowdown on his contentious proposal:

The guy's talking tough about ending welfare dependency in France. In an interview with Le Parisien, Wauquiez made it clear he's all about right-wing politics. With the Republican leadership election looming on May 17 and 117,600 party members voting, Wauquiez is pulling out all the stops.

If he wants to help those truly in need—disabled individuals and people with chronic illnesses—he proposes phasing out RSA entirely. This move, he says, will "revalue work" and "reduce dependency." And here's his reasoning: "The RSA, with nearly 2 million recipients and an 12 billion euro budget, should be a temporary aid for those dealing with life's curveballs. A two-year limit for able-bodied French workers on RSA is necessary."

Want to know if you're a RSA or activity grant recipient? You might've received this email from the Labor Minister...

"I want the right to win in 2027" affirms Wauquiez

This isn't all he's proposing. He also advocates for "real work hours in lieu of RSA, a change that isn't common practice now, and consolidating all social aids into a capped 70% minimum wage." He argues, "We can't keep paying people to stay home while we have half a million service industry jobs open. Real social welfare is work: help people by getting them out of the welfare trap."

"I denounce RSA" proclaims Fabien Roussel

Current favorite for the Republican presidency, Bruno Retailleau, will likely face competition from Wauquiez, who's aiming not only for his party's leadership but for the 2027 presidential race. "I want the right to win. To do so, we must have a unified right-wing candidate for the presidential election next year. I'll ensure everyone is united. If it's not me, I'll support the strongest candidate. And if it's me, I'll lead with a team that could include Gerald Darmanin and Sarah Knafo."

It's time for a change, according to Wauquiez. The question is: will France be ready for it?

Laurent Wauquiez's aim to limit RSA access to two years is driven by his conservative political beliefs, as he aspires to eliminate welfare dependency and revalue work in France.
To tackle the issue of unemployment, Wauquiez proposes replacing RSA with "real work hours" and consolidating all social benefits into a capped minimum wage of 70%.
Wauquiez's proposals on welfare reform, including his stance on RSA, are part of his broader political agenda, as he aims to lead his party and potentially become the president of France in 2027.
Despite opposition from some political figures, such as Fabien Roussel who publicly denounces RSA, Wauquiez faces competition from within his own party, such as Bruno Retailleau, in the upcoming leadership election.

Laurent Wauquiez, Republican presidential candidate, found with RSA in collimator