France on Thursday announced expanded paid leave for mothers and fathers as part of an effort by President Emmanuel Macron to raise the country’s sagging birth rate. Western Europeans
Macron outlined a plan to address infertility and the dropping birth rate in 2024, saying it would help lay the foundations for what he called France’s “demographic re-armament”.
Paid maternity leave in France is currently slightly under four months for a first child, while men have been entitled to 28 days of leave following a birth, AFP writes.
The new laws, which came into action on Wednesday, allow mothers and fathers to share an additional leave of one or two months in addition to existing benefits.
Parents will get 70 percent of their net salary in the first month and 60 percent in the second.
These new provisions apply to parents of children born on or after January 1, 2026. Adoptive parents could also be considered. Parenting » »
Fertility rates are falling in the European Union.
The National Statistics Institute said France had last year for the first time since the conclusion of World War Two seen more people dying in the country than newborns born.
Feminist groups argue the measure is insufficient and unlikely to increase gender equality. The partner who earns less – usually the woman – is said to be more likely to take the extra leave.
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