France introduces paid family leave system to boost birth rate

In an effort to increase the birth rate, France has introduced a new type of extended leave system for both mothers and fathers. Under this new measure, which came into effect, parents will receive salaries during their additional leave on Wednesday (July 1).

According to a report by the news agency AFP, mothers in France previously received around four months of paid maternity leave for their first child, while fathers were entitled to 28 days of leave after the birth of a child.

Under the new law, in addition to the existing leave, mothers and fathers can share an extra one or two months of leave between themselves. During this additional leave, they will receive allowances equivalent to 70% of their salary in the first month and 60% in the second month.

The new legislation will apply to parents of children born on or after January 1, 2026. Furthermore, parents who adopt a child will also be eligible for the same benefits.

Declining birth rates have become a major concern for policymakers across the entire European Union, not just in France. Against this backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron took this initiative to boost the birth rate. He had previously announced various plans in 2024 to increase birth rates.

However, feminist organizations in the country argue that this new reform is insufficient and will not be very effective in ensuring gender equality. According to them, the partner with the lower income is more likely to take the additional leave, and in the context of France, women earn less than men in most cases.