"The idea is really to take back control over money and the economy, over exchanges, with a more citizen-oriented and life-respecting vision,” emphasizes Ingrid-Hélène Guet. "In this sense, the Mouvement SOL is also and above all a laboratory for monetary initiatives.”
In practical terms, local currencies are payment instruments recognized by law and supported by structures in the social and solidarity economy (ESS). They allow for the relocalization and democratization of exchanges. These currencies only circulate within a defined territory, established from the outset among acceptors who adhere to a charter of social, democratic, and environmental values. Members participate in decision-making, as they often have collective governance.
"For example, if I exchange 100 € for 100 Soudicy, if I am in Allier, the 100 € goes into an ethical finance account, primarily at Crédit Coopératif or Nef, but not necessarily, and is invested in ethical projects in the area,” explains Ingrid-Hélène Guet. "And on top of that, I can spend my 100 Soudicy at businesses that can be food-related, clothing, energy, from actors who respect the charter and who themselves, and this is the big difference with other types of payments, like holiday vouchers or meal vouchers, can continue to circulate the currency.”
This also generates wealth for the territory. It is estimated that if we introduce 1,000 local currency instead of 1,000 € into a territory, it brings in 25 to 55 times more wealth.
“So social effect, democratic effect, empowerment, ecological effect, solidarity effect, but also economic effect. So in a way, it really energizes the territory with many beautiful aspects,” specifies Ingrid-Hélène Guet.
“Our goal is really to remind that money is at the heart of the just transition. For too long, and perhaps still today, we are really under the impression that monetary economics is completely outside of politics. However, money is totally a tool for ecological and social transition, and in a way, there will be no just transition without reflection on money.”
