MaPrimeRénov': the government backs down in the face of anger in the construction industry and maintains aid for renovations by gesture

MaPrimeRénov': a great victory for the FFB

The FFB is pleased to have been heard regarding MaPrimeRénov'. The in-depth work and negotiations undertaken over the past ten days, followed by the decision to mobilize nationally and locally at its congress in Blois-Chambord last week, have borne fruit.

In fact, Valérie Létard, Minister of Housing, has just announced that renovations by gesture(s) will continue, while major works will soon be frozen until September 15.

This summer break will allow for the clearance of the large backlog of such cases. The FFB is committed to supporting the Anah to facilitate this processing and strengthen the fight against fraud.

For Olivier Salleron, president of the FFB: "This is a great and significant victory for the FFB! The absence of a freeze on aid for single-action measures gives hope to hundreds of thousands of craftsmen and building contractors, reassures hundreds of thousands of households, and makes it possible once again to achieve the major objectives of the ecological transition."

The Government decides in favor of the structural and sustainable measures supported by the CAPEB

Since the announcement of the suspension of MaPrimeRénov' on June 5, which caused great anger among building tradespeople, the CAPEB has been strongly mobilized to denounce this suspension and to promote the measures it has been implementing for many months to improve a system whose management is chaotic and absurd.

The announcements made by the Minister of Housing this morning, as part of a consultation with stakeholders aimed at clarifying the terms of the suspension of MaPrimeRénov', are fully in line with the CAPEB's proposals. CAPEB welcomes having been heard and now demands the concrete implementation of the announced measures.

Maintaining monogestures:

It was unacceptable for the CAPEB to see the entire energy renovation process halted once again under the pretext of strengthening controls on the major renovation process alone, unless it was intended to conceal budgetary savings. The reintegration of single-action measures into the system, within a budgetary framework maintained for the year 2025, was therefore an essential prerequisite for the CAPEB and was accepted by the Government.

Securing the budget for 2025:

Since the government announced the suspension of MaPrimeRéonv, there has been considerable uncertainty surrounding the budget allocated to the scheme in 2025. CAPEB believes that it was unthinkable for the State to make budgetary savings on this major component of the ecological transition, which generates activity and therefore tax revenue. This is despite the fact that, at the same time, the State was suspending its reform of the VAT exemption threshold for microenterprises, which could potentially generate significant revenue. CAPEB is therefore pleased to have secured the budget for 2025 and calls for consultations to begin as soon as possible with a view to the 2026 budget.

Creation of an energy renovation process by actions:

The Minister announced the start of work to create a simple, clear, and action-based renovation program suitable for both individuals and professionals, as requested by the CAPEB. The difficulties encountered by the current large-scale renovation program demonstrate the poor calibration of the system, which CAPEB denounced from its inception. In consultation with industry stakeholders, the action-based program must now be implemented as quickly as possible, by early 2026.

Creation of a simplified access route to RGE qualification:

The CAPEB has secured the creation of a simplified access route to RGE certification for craft businesses, based on monitoring completed construction sites. This certification for construction companies, required for households to obtain aid, is currently too complex for very small businesses to obtain and is hampering renovation efforts. The simplification announced today by the Minister should facilitate access for very small businesses to the energy renovation market and allow for a more widespread implementation of the work.

Facilitation of temporary grouping of companies:

CAPEB has secured a commitment from the government to adopt a legislative amendment to facilitate the formation of temporary business groups for construction trades. This measure, which encourages the formal grouping of tradespeople from various professions on renovation sites, is essential to give them the means to truly mobilize on the market.

For Jean-Christophe Repon, President of CAPEB: "CAPEB is pleased to see its determination rewarded and the frustration of building tradespeople finally acknowledged. The announcements made by the Minister of Housing this morning are the culmination of CAPEB's long-term efforts to revive the energy renovation market and preserve a major public policy. I am delighted that common sense has prevailed. These represent significant progress for the building trades, households, and the environmental transition. But now we need action. The Government must continue the path it embarked on with CAPEB, particularly with regard to VAE, GME, and simplifying market access. These are projects for the future, and we will be uncompromising in their successful completion. Tradespeople can count on CAPEB's continued vigilance regarding the proper implementation of each of the measures obtained."

For the Union of Independents, "a welcome reprieve for construction tradespeople... but still no clear direction"

The government has finally announced the continuation of the Ma Prime Rénov' window for so-called "single-action" work (windows, boilers, insulation, etc.) after a strong mobilization of building professionals. For the SDI, this decision is a victory for the sector's VSEs, who have been able to make their impact heard, particularly in the local economy, through their mobilization.

But this last-minute announcement, uncoordinated, rushed, and poorly prepared, has caused avoidable stress for thousands of already fragile businesses. At a time when economic activity remains uncertain for many small businesses, this haphazard management further undermines the confidence and stability necessary for their daily operations.

For Marc Sanchez, Secretary General of the SDI: "Our construction industry SMEs have demonstrated their collective strength, and this government reversal is an important signal. But it is unacceptable that thousands of businesses are constantly under threat of surprise announcements. Our small businesses need a clear, concerted, and sustainable direction."

This latest episode comes on top of a long line of government fumbling justified by short-term budget savings, but whose economic and human cost is borne by very small businesses. The SDI points out that the real budgetary room for maneuver lies in the operating expenses of large public structures and not in support mechanisms for field activity.

The July 15 meeting should therefore mark a real turning point with a clear message from the Prime Minister. VSEs do not need a reprieve, but a coherent strategy that respects their role in the energy transition and the local economy.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.