The duration of paternity leave in France will double and increase to 28 days, said Tuesday, September 22, the Elysee, allowing the country, a time at the peak on the subject, to make up part of its delay compared to the best European students. 

When France introduced paternity leave in 2002 - 11 days in addition to the 3 days of birth leave - it was ahead of most of its neighbors.

But since then, many European countries have adopted more generous measures. 

"This reform will allow France to move from a median position in Europe to the peloton of leading countries, with Spain, Sweden, Norway and Portugal", underlines the presidency. 

"Time is an essential factor in establishing an important link between the child and the parents. Currently, this 14-day time is too short", adds the Elysee, conceding that for President Emmanuel Macron it is a question of 'an "extremely consensual reform" since "80% of the population is in favor". 

The Head of State must decline the measure on Wednesday during a trip on the theme of early childhood to a PMI center (maternal and child protection) in Longjumeau (Essonne). 

A measure financed by Social Security 

The extension of paternity leave will be financed by Social Security at a cost that is also doubled and estimated at more than 500 million euros in a full year.

The three days of birth leave will always be paid by the employer.

The other 25 days will be compensated by Social Security. 

Multiple births (twins, triplets ...) will give the right, as today, to seven additional days, explained the entourage of the Secretary of State for Children and Families, Adrien Taquet. 

The device will appear in the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) which is due to be presented shortly to the Council of Ministers.

It is expected to come into force on July 1, 2021. 

The issue of "social justice" 

"There will be the introduction of a compulsory part in this leave" which "must still be fixed with the social partners", specifies the Elysee.

Companies failing to comply with this obligation would face a fine of 7,500 euros. 

The aim is to encourage more fathers to take advantage of paternity leave, especially those with precarious status.

Currently, 67% of fathers use paternity leave, a figure which has changed very little since its implementation and which conceals strong social inequalities: 80% of employees on permanent contracts do so, but less than 60 % of those who are on fixed-term contracts. 

"We have a great stake in equity and social justice", insists in the entourage of Emmanuel Macron. 

The objective is also to promote equality between women and men since parental responsibility still rests heavily on mothers.

"We try to converge the leaves between the two parents," says one at the Elysee.

Maternity leave can last up to 16 weeks for a first or second child. 

If it doubles the duration of paternity leave, the executive remains below the conclusions of the Cyrulnik commission on the "first 1000 days" of the newborn, installed in September 2019 by Emmanuel Macron, who had recommended to extend paternity leave to nine weeks. 

"Doubling is already a fairly massive change in terms of cultural development and for the place of fathers with the child. It allows to change the outlook of society", we assume at the Elysee. 

Other measures decided after the publication of the Cyrulnik report in favor of support for young children and their parents "will be announced later", adds the presidency. 

With AFP 

   With AFP 

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR