The French National Assembly has voted in favor of a controversial provision in a bill to combat social and tax fraud, which allows for the immediate suspension of unemployment benefits in cases of justified suspicion of fraud. The new law, part of a broader government project, has faced sharp criticism from the opposition, which claims it "punishes based on mere suspicion." The bill also introduces regulations for the chauffeur-driven car rental industry. A vote in the Senate is scheduled for the coming weeks.

Controversial Provision Passed

The National Assembly voted for an article enabling Pôle emploi officials to immediately suspend benefit payments in cases of justified suspicion of fraud. The decision is to be made by the regional director of the employment office.

Tightened Controls in the VTC Sector

The bill provides for stricter regulations for platforms offering chauffeur-driven car rental (VTC), such as Uber, to combat illegal work. Transporters will be required, among other things, to provide tax authorities with transaction data.

Heated Political Debate

The bill has sparked fierce protests from left-wing deputies, who consider it unjust and targeted at the most vulnerable individuals. The government defends the provisions as necessary to protect public finances.

Next Legislative Steps

The bill will now go to the Senate, where it is likely to face further discussions and possible amendments. The legislative process is expected to conclude in the spring.

The French National Assembly has adopted a key, yet highly controversial, article of a bill to combat social and tax fraud. The provision allows for the suspension of unemployment benefit payments in cases of justified suspicion of fraud. The decision to suspend is to be made by the regional director of the public employment office Pôle emploi. The ruling coalition, centered around President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, argues that such a tool is essential for effectively protecting public funds from abuse. The Ministry of Labor emphasizes that it concerns "justified suspicions," not arbitrary decisions. The left-wing opposition, united in the New Popular Front, sharply criticizes the amendment. Deputies point out that it places the official in the role of judge and prosecutor, and beneficiaries lose their means of subsistence even before a potential court verdict. The vote in the Assembly sparked a heated debate. „„On punit pour un doute! Cette loi est injuste et dangereuse.”” — head of the La France Insoumise deputies – stated the head of the La France Insoumise deputies, Mathilde Panot. The left argues that the law violates the principle of presumption of innocence and will hit the poorest, who already have difficulty asserting their rights. The bill, which parliamentarians have been debating since February 26, is broader and concerns not only unemployment benefits. It also contains provisions aimed at combating illegal work and tax fraud in the VTC (chauffeur-driven car rental) service sector. Transporters will be required, among other things, to provide tax authorities with data on completed rides, which is intended to facilitate the detection of undeclared income. This is part of the government's strategy to tighten the system in the context of rising public debt. The bill is set to go to the Senate in the coming weeks, where further political battles are expected. Its final adoption is not certain, although the government holds a majority in the upper house.

Mentioned People

  • Mathilde Panot — President of the La France Insoumise (LFI) parliamentary group in the National Assembly, criticizing the bill.
  • Gabriel Attal — Prime Minister of France, heading the government proposing the bill.