Major Inquiry Launched into French Disability and Mental Health Policies

In a significant political development, Minister of Health Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq convened parliamentarians on July 1, 2025, to discuss impending changes in disability legislation, amidst growing concerns over inadequacies in current public policies related to disability and mental health. This meeting was spearheaded by Deputy Sébastien Saint-Pasteur, who has become a key figure advocating for reform in this area.

Saint-Pasteur recently initiated a commission of inquiry aimed at exploring the failures of current policies, which he argues are inadequate to address the pressing needs of those with disabilities and mental health issues. Initially, in January 2025, he prepared a proposal for new disability legislation but later recognized the overwhelming number of existing proposals made further legislative efforts impractical. Thus, he pivoted his focus to advocating for a comprehensive government initiative, highlighting the need for a more unified approach to reform.

Supporting his efforts, Saint-Pasteur, along with Antoine Vermorel-Marques from the Republican Party, has attracted the backing of nearly 200 parliamentarians through a joint statement. This collective effort calls for prioritization of disability issues within the government’s agenda. Saint-Pasteur noted, "We will open the black box of public policy. It’s essential that we address the real concerns and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities."

This inquiry comes in response to persistent calls from advocacy groups and the public for accountability and improved services for the disabled community in France. As discussions continue, this initiative could pave the way for significant legislative changes in the near future, aiming to better support vulnerable populations across the country.