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French Senate Approves 12-Hour Annual Work-Time Increase

The measure faces likely pushback in the National Assembly after government opposition.

Overview

  • Senators voted 199–135 to adopt centrist Olivier Henno’s amendment during the Social Security budget debate.
  • The change would raise the statutory annual total from 1,607 to 1,619 hours without altering the 35-hour legal workweek.
  • Proponents cite an estimated yield of about €10 billion a year, describing the increase as roughly 15 minutes per week.
  • Implementation would be left to negotiation by social partners rather than imposed directly by law.
  • The government and left-wing parties oppose the proposal, and deputies are expected to challenge it as budget talks move to the National Assembly, with Les RépublicainsPhilippe Juvin urging potential use of Article 49.3.