The French government has introduced a new paid parental leave programme aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, offering mothers and fathers additional paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child.
The policy took effect on Wednesday and forms part of President Emmanuel Macron’s broader strategy to address France’s declining fertility rate and ageing population.
Under the revised system, parents can now share an extra one or two months of paid leave in addition to existing maternity and paternity entitlements.
Parents to receive up to 70% of salary
The additional leave will be partially compensated by the state, with parents receiving 70% of their net salary during the first month and 60% during the second month.
The new benefit applies to parents of children born on or after January 1, 2026. Adoptive parents are also eligible under the scheme.
Before the reform, French mothers were entitled to just under four months of paid maternity leave for a first child, while fathers could take up to 28 days of paid leave following childbirth.
Macron pushes demographic agenda
The expanded leave programme builds on initiatives announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2024 to tackle infertility and reverse the country’s falling birth rate.
At the time, Macron described the effort as part of France’s “demographic re-armament,” arguing that boosting family formation and supporting parents would be critical to the country’s long-term economic and social stability.
France has historically maintained one of Europe’s highest fertility rates, supported by generous family benefits.
However, births have steadily declined in recent years, mirroring a wider demographic trend across the European Union.
France records demographic milestone
According to France’s National Institute of Statistics, the country recorded a significant demographic shift last year when, for the first time since the end of World War II, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births.
The development has heightened concerns over the future size of the workforce, pension sustainability and long-term economic growth, prompting the government to introduce additional family support measures.
Critics question impact on gender equality
Despite welcoming greater support for families, several feminist organisations argue that the reform does not go far enough to promote gender equality in childcare.
Critics contend that because the additional leave is only partially paid, lower-income households are likely to rely on the lower-earning partner—most often women—to take the extended leave.
They argue this could reinforce traditional caregiving roles rather than encourage a more equal sharing of parental responsibilities.
The government, however, says the new policy is designed to provide families with greater flexibility while helping to address France’s long-term demographic challenges.
