Mobilization is gaining momentum within the social and solidarity economy (SSE). Led by the Regional Chamber of the Social and Solidarity Economy (CRESS) of Martinique, a open letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, condemns the proposed cut of more than 30 % in public funding allocated to support the social and solidarity economy. Several thousand business leaders, elected officials, and members of parliament have already signed this initiative.
According to ESS France, these cuts would take the form of funding freezes and cancellations affecting Action 4 of Program 305 in the state budget, which is dedicated to the development of the social and solidarity economy. Organizations in the sector point out that these appropriations had, however, been maintained at the 2025 level and that numerous initiatives have already been underway for nearly six months based on this commitment.
A budget cut with consequences deemed to be immediate
In their open letter, representatives of the social and solidarity economy (ESS) warn of the practical consequences of such a decision. The funding in question supports, in particular, local support mechanisms (DLAs), regional social and solidarity economy chambers (CRESS), regional economic cooperation hubs (PTCEs), and national social and solidarity economy networks.
The signatories believe that this unexpected reduction in funding could lead to «the suspension of activities,» «job cuts that are currently difficult to quantify,» and «default on payments» for certain organizations.
A sector that is already vulnerable
This concern comes amid a particularly tense situation for the social and solidarity economy. According to ESS France, the sector lost 10,447 jobs in the second half of 2025, while the number of organizations going out of business reached a level not seen in more than five years.
Stakeholders in the social and solidarity economy believe they have committed resources and developed community-based initiatives in response to the challenges faced by businesses and organizations in the sector. They are now criticizing the call into question of the resources initially allocated and cite a breakdown in trust with the government.
Beyond the Budget: A Challenge for Regional Development
Beyond the budgetary issue alone, this mobilization also highlights the role played by the social and solidarity economy in local communities. Social and solidarity economy organizations are active in many areas of public interest: supporting nonprofit organizations, helping people enter the workforce, the circular economy, social innovation, community-based services, and regional cooperation projects.
In many regions, these organizations also participate in initiatives related to the ecological transition, the reuse of resources, or the development of more sustainable local activities. A weakening of their capacity to act could therefore have repercussions that extend beyond the social and solidarity economy sector alone.
In this open letter, the signatories therefore call for the funding allocated to Program 305 to be maintained and urge the government to preserve the resources allocated to a sector they consider essential to social cohesion and the sustainable development of local communities.
