France introduces extra parental leave to boost birth rates

PARIS - France on July 1 launched new paid leave for both mothers and fathers, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to boost the country’s sluggish birth rate.

In 2024, Macron unveiled a plan to combat infertility and the declining birth rate, saying it would help pave the way towards what he described as France’s “demographic re-armament”.

Until now, paid maternity leave in France has been just under four months for a first child, while fathers have been entitled to 28 days of leave following a birth.

Under the new rules, which came into force on July 1, mothers and fathers can now share an additional leave of one or two months on top of existing entitlements.

Parents will receive 70 per cent of their net salary during the first month and 60 per cent during the second.

The new provisions apply to parents of children born on or after Jan 1, 2026. Adoptive parents are also eligible.

Fertility rates are declining across the European Union.

France in 2025 – for the first time since the end of World War II – recorded fewer babies born than people dying in the country, according to the National Statistics Institute.

Feminist groups say the reform falls short and is unlikely to improve gender equality. They note that the lower-earning partner – typically the woman – is more likely to take the additional leave. AFP