Prime Minister François Bayrou has drawn strong criticism after proposing to split France's long-awaited end-of-life legislation into two separate laws. Opponents warn the move could delay assisted dying reforms.
The legislation, which would legalise assisted dying and improve palliative care, followed years of public consultation including a citizens' convention that recommended comprehensive changes to both areas.
The original single bill reached parliament in early 2024 but stalled when the National Assembly was dissolved in June.
Bayrou, a devout Catholic, now wants to separate the two issues into distinct laws, a move that has exposed divisions both within parliament and the governing coalition.
Mounting criticism
"This is a way of abandoning the project to legalise assisted dying," said left-wing lawmaker Éric Coquerel.
The move has drawn particular anger from opposition parties who see it as a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine attempt at reform.
"We know François Bayrou's convictions on this subject. The position of a minority prime minister in a very precarious political context cannot be imposed on the National Assembly," said Socialist MP Jérôme Guedj.
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Even within the government coalition, the plan has caused unease. Former minister Prisca Thevenot questioned the change.
"I was minister when the bill was presented as a single block. Perhaps we should also respect this desire, which is not just the will of some people but of a citizens' convention, with citizens who worked on it for several months," Thevenot said.
Right-wing backing
However, conservative politicians have welcomed splitting the legislation.
"The aspect everyone agrees on is the need to strengthen palliative care. On the rest, there are debates," said Éric Ciotti from the Union of the Right for the Republic – a party aligned with the far-right National Rally.
Meanwhile government spokesperson Sophie Prima underlined assisted dying reforms would not be abandoned.
"This issue will be on the agenda as soon as possible. It's a question of parliamentary votes on subjects that are distinct in nature," she said.
Sources close to Bayrou said both palliative care and assisted dying would be examined in the "same parliamentary timeframe", though no specific schedule was provided.
The lack of a clear schedule has fuelled concerns among critics that assisted dying reforms could face lengthy delays.
