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French Liberal Doctors Launch 10-Day Strike Over 2026 Social Security Law

The government vows to maintain essential services, with requisitions possible if needed.

Overview

  • The coordinated stoppage runs from 5–15 January, with unions reporting very high participation across offices and private clinics and a major demonstration scheduled in Paris on 10 January.
  • Organizers cite more than 15,000 strike registrations on the Jeunes Médecins platform by midday Monday, and internal union polling points to roughly 80–85% participation.
  • Clinics are reducing activity now, and the private hospital federation expects operating rooms to be largely halted between 10 and 14 January, potentially up to 80% according to its president.
  • Key grievances target contested LFSS 2026 provisions, including potential unilateral tariff cuts by Assurance-maladie (article 77), curtailed reimbursement for prescriptions by non‑contracted doctors (article 76), and tighter oversight of sick-leave prescribing.
  • Unions note that the Constitutional Council struck down the DMP penalty provision in late December, but they argue broader measures still threaten professional autonomy and financial stability.