The French Basic Income (RMI) and Transitional Markets: One National Policy, Many Local Realities
Résumé
The RMI has to be understood as more than merely an instrument to fight poverty. It forms part of labour market programs that target specific population groups facing economic and social difficulties. Its implementation depends on general and specific socio-economic conditions, in particular the existence of adequate jobs for the target groups. Furthermore, its implementation is decentralized in order to induce the local agencies administering the program to become involved in defining and enforcing practical measures adapted to tackle specific problems. Both these aspects of the RMI lead us to examine it as a unique illustration of transitional labour markets.