Overview

• On July 7, the National Assembly opened debate on a bill to establish a comprehensive status for mayors and deputy mayors after its first reading approval in the Senate in March 2024.
• A government amendment restricts the proposed indemnity increase to communes with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, applying revaluations that taper from 8% to 4% to contain local budget impacts.
• The original text called for a uniform 10% rise in indemnity ceilings, raising monthly allowances from €1,048 in communes under 500 residents to €5,960 in those over 100,000.
• Lawmakers are debating provisions to maintain pay during maternity leave, double electoral leave to 20 days for list leaders, and create an "élu étudiant" status with support for academic schedules.
• An article under review would require declaration of donations exceeding €150 and strengthen conflict-of-interest rules to improve transparency.