The French government–facing a crucial confidence vote on September 8th–has drafted two decrees to restrict access to a wide range of healthcare services through the State Medical Assistance (AME) to illegal immigrants.
Prime Minister François Bayrou described the move as “a common-sense measure” in an interview with BFMTV, stressing that in a time when efforts are being asked of the French, it is only fair that those living in France illegally also contribute.
The restrictions are part of broader fiscal adjustments aimed at addressing France’s strained finances, including the 2026 budget, which seeks savings of around €44 billion.
Under the proposed decrees, non-urgent services for illegal immigrants will require at least nine months of residence in France. These services include physiotherapy, glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and non-urgent medical transport.
Olivier Faure of the Socialist Party (PS) dismissed the move as “winks to the far right.”
Bayrou confirmed that he had discussed the issue with National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, among others, emphasizing that these reforms are necessary to ensure fairness and public order.
The National Rally–which will vote against Bayrou–criticizes the centrist government’s budget adjustments and advocates for alternatives, including reducing billions in public funding for immigrants and cutting France’s share of the EU budget.
