Craftsmen "keep the flame alive" but fear political instability

Six out of ten artisans report a better situation than last year and 52% say they are optimistic, but the new political uncertainty is making them "hunch back", indicated the president of CMA France, the national public institution that brings together the network of chambers of trades and crafts (CMA), on Tuesday, September 2.

Unveiled by CMA France during its back-to-school press conference, a BVA survey carried out from May to July shows that, despite these good prospects, 85% of craftspeople say they are affected by the surge in material prices and 82% by the surge in energy prices.

Passion for the craft, however, remains a strong driving force: 91% of artisans say they "keep the flame alive" and 84% want to pass on their knowledge, according to this 2025 barometer. But fatigue is setting in. One in two artisans has already considered ceasing their activity, although 80% believe that craftsmanship is the only profession that truly suits them.

CMA France highlights a growing need for support. 79% of artisans would be more confident about the future of their business if the public authorities provided them with more support, including 93% of businesses less than three years old.

The use of CMA services is on the rise (47% of artisans have already used them, compared to 38% last year, and 94% say they are satisfied), with increased demand for management and financing.

"The head of a craft business wears several hats, whereas initially he has only one job: to do," noted Joël Fourny, president of CMA France, at a press conference, who advocates for tailor-made support.

Support is at the heart of Cap 2027!, the three-year CMA transformation plan launched last year.

CMA France noted a slight decline in new apprenticeship contracts this year, primarily due to demographic reasons. According to the survey, 38% of artisans plan to hire an apprentice within six months.

"But crafts, France's largest business, remains fragile despite its resilience," and artisans are "turning their backs" on the new sequence of government changes that is looming, with the likely fall of Prime Minister François Bayrou next Monday before the National Assembly.

Mr. Fourny called on political decision-makers "to show responsibility" to restore stability and revive growth.

The barometer was carried out between May 23 and July 7 among 601 artisans and 501 project leaders in the craft sector.