Received at Matignon, the CAPEB defends building tradespeople and strengthens dialogue with the Government

This summit meeting aims to strengthen dialogue with the Government and to take concrete actions to address the difficulties in the building sector.

Following his intervention at the CAPEB general assembly, during which the Minister of Housing was invited to relay the concerns and proposals of building craftsmen in France to the Prime Minister, this meeting at Matignon is part of the ongoing dialogue between CAPEB and the Government.

During this exchange, the Prime Minister listened attentively, fully grasping the gravity of the situation facing small construction businesses. He seriously considered the concerns raised by the CAPEB (Confederation of Craft and Small Construction Businesses) and expressed his commitment to working concretely with stakeholders in the sector, in a context of significant economic strain and uncertainty.

Rising construction prices: emergency measures and stricter regulations in France

Regarding energy issues, the Government has confirmed the implementation of a support scheme related to non-road diesel (GNR) for public works companies with fewer than 20 employees. At the request of the CAPEB (Confederation of Craft and Small Construction Businesses), this scheme will be extended to other building trades, including masons, carpenters, and roofers. This scope may evolve gradually depending on market conditions. Minister Serge Papin and his staff are closely monitoring the progress of this strategic issue for building professionals.

Regarding the cost of materials and supply difficulties, the Prime Minister indicated his intention to move quickly. His staff is working on establishing a system to monitor price increases in order to limit abuses and windfall profits. Manufacturers could thus be required to justify their price increases, with the aim of transparency and market regulation, responding to a strong demand from small construction businesses in France.

Energy transition: electrification of uses and the role of green gas

The issue of electrification was also central to the discussions. The Prime Minister pledged to conduct a thorough assessment of the needs of small businesses regarding the electrification of their commercial vehicle fleets. He also mentioned the implementation of suitable financing solutions, such as leasing or subsidies through energy savings certificates.

Adopting a gradual and pragmatic approach, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for an energy transition compatible with the economic realities of businesses. He affirmed that hybrid solutions, such as biogas and methanization, must continue to be supported and not be called into question within the current trajectory.

Energy renovation: a major challenge for building professionals

The conditions for small businesses to access the energy renovation market were also discussed. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Housing reaffirmed their commitment to stabilizing support mechanisms, particularly MaPrimeRénov' and energy savings certificates, which are essential for supporting the sector's activity.

In a context where bringing energy-inefficient buildings back onto the market, subject to renovation work within 3 to 5 years, requires a significant increase in renovation capacity, the CAPEB (Confederation of Craft and Small Construction Businesses) emphasized the need to protect these programs. The goal is to prevent these markets from being captured at the expense of small, independent building contractors. President Jean-Christophe Repon also highlighted the alignment of this timeframe with the renovation plan advocated by the CAPEB and reiterated the importance of reintegrating insulation measures into support programs, in the service of energy efficiency.

CAPEB welcomes the quality of the discussions with the Government and the commitments made. However, it remains fully committed to ensuring their swift translation into concrete measures to help craft businesses overcome the current difficulties.

For Jean-Christophe Repon, president of CAPEB: “In a crisis that is permanently weakening our businesses, it was essential that the voice of artisans be heard at the highest level of government. This exchange marks an important step in recognizing the difficulties our sector is facing. The initial guidelines discussed are a step in the right direction, but the situation remains challenging: we remain fully committed to transforming these commitments into concrete measures and continuing the fight that is essential for the long-term viability of our businesses.”

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.