The Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty analyzes the results of the June 2026 “ Cabinet ARC ”–IFOP Barometer.
While our 2026 Barometer highlights an increase in payment terms to18.9 days—a level not seen in twelve years—Roland Lescure offers his analysis of the challenges French companies face in terms of cash flow and financing.
The minister first placed these results in an economic context still marked by the aftermath of successive crises, while urging that the initial signs of improvement not be overlooked.“We are seeing prices ease. This must now translate into confidence, stable supplies, and a recovery in economic activity.”
When asked about late payments, Roland Lescure stated that“payment delays are a truly French problem. It’s a cultural issue.”According to the minister, while oversight measures and penalties must continue to be enforced, the solution also requires a change in behavior. “ It’s too easy to generate cash flow at the expense of small suppliers. That has to change. ”
The minister also expressed support for SenatorOlivier Rietmann’s bill, which aims to make penalties more dissuasive by capping them at1 percent of the global revenueof offending companies. He also supports the implementation of apayment-term rating system, a transparency tool that would allow companies to assess their partners’ practices before entering into business agreements.“We need to change our culture. When we want to, we can show greater solidarity in a more sustainable way.”
Watch the full video of his analysis: