Overview
- The Senate voted to end debate and reject the proposed assisted‑dying law for a third time by adopting a question préalable, a motion passed 169–164 with 11 abstentions on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
- The government has scheduled a definitive vote in the National Assembly for July 15, using its constitutional right to give the lower house the final say when the two chambers disagree.
- Senate president Gérard Larcher said he will refer the bill to the Conseil constitutionnel if the Assembly adopts it, a step that can trigger legal review and possible partial or total annulment before promulgation.
- A separate controversy has erupted over plans for a post‑vote reception: the Cese offered to cover travel and lodging for former convention members, the minister organising the meeting denied any cocktail was planned and announced a postponement.
- Opponents in the Senate cite missing safeguards, notably the absence of an institutions' clause of conscience, and critics warn the dispute could deepen public divisions while raising key questions about protections for vulnerable people and the future of palliative care.