Government's 2026 Budget Sparks Heated Debates Over Sick Leave Limits

The French government's 2026 budget proposal, specifically Article 28 of the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS), has ignited strong opposition due to its plan to limit the duration of sick leave prescriptions. The government proposes capping initial sick leave to 15 days for outpatient treatment and 30 days for hospital stays, aiming to curb the significant rise in sick leave costs, which soared by nearly 29% from 2010 to 2019 and another 27.9% from 2019 to 2023, excluding pandemic-related expenses.

The government justifies these measures by pointing out that 60% of rising costs result from salary increases and an aging workforce, while prescription durations often do not align with medical follow-ups. It also plans to limit compensation for temporary disability due to work accidents to four years and remove mandatory return-to-work exams to streamline workforce reintegration. However, opposition parties, particularly on the left, have fiercely contested these proposals, introducing numerous amendments aimed at repealing Article 28. Critics warn these changes could roll back workers' rights and ironically increase healthcare costs. The Unsa union has condemned the plan, emphasizing its detrimental impact on worker rights, especially for women post maternity leave.

In the legislative arena, the debates have been protracted and contentious. La France Insoumise (LFI) recently withdrew 15% of its amendments to avoid blocking progress and is encouraging other groups to do the same. The parliamentary discussions face a deadline of November 4; if unresolved, debates will pause and resume after the Social Security funding bill examination, scheduled for November 12.

This budget controversy highlights the balancing act the government faces between controlling social security expenditure and protecting workers' welfare. As debates extend, opposition parties and unions remain vigilant, with the budget's fate still uncertain as negotiations continue.