Liberal Doctors in France Intensify Strike and Reject Health Minister’s Meeting Amid Healthcare Strain

Liberal doctors in France have sustained a nationwide strike since January 5, 2026, intensifying their protests with a major demonstration in Paris on January 10 and further planned clinic closures. The strike, which the inter-union group representing doctors insists will continue until at least January 15, reflects deep dissatisfaction with current healthcare policies under Health Minister Stéphanie Rist.

The medical unions have firmly rejected a meeting proposal from Minister Rist during the Paris protest, arguing that the offer fails to address their key concerns about upcoming legislation. Their grievances include a perceived inadequate 2026 social security budget, restrictive measures on sick leave prescriptions, and controversial provisions allowing unilateral pricing decisions by health insurance entities, which bypass negotiations with doctors. Additionally, plans that could limit doctors’ freedoms to set up practice locations have generated further opposition.

Notably, around 2,000 operating room doctors plan a symbolic journey to Brussels as a show of solidarity following the demonstration. Healthcare services have experienced significant disruption, with general practitioner activity down 19%, specialist activity reduced by 12%, and emergency departments stretched amid a flu season peak. This strain is reflected in increased calls to emergency services (samu) and more patients visiting emergency departments.

Despite the Minister’s expressed desire to rebuild trust with liberal doctors, she has not indicated which aspects of policy might be negotiable. Previous negotiations resulted in the withdrawal of certain contested measures, but key contentious elements remain in the legislation. The doctors’ strike, taken together with the large-scale protest in Paris and the symbolic actions planned, represents a critical moment highlighting tensions between medical professionals and government health authorities during an already pressured healthcare period.

With the medical unions rejecting engagement on current terms and healthcare services under pressure from widespread strike participation, the situation remains unsettled with further developments anticipated as the strike continues through mid-January.