France rolls out July policy package: new birth leave, higher gas prices and expanded EV leasing

From 1 July 2024 France will add a paid "birth" leave of up to two months for parents who have a child or adopt a child after 1 January 2026. The first month is paid at 70 % of salary (capped at €4,005) and the second at 60 %. Independent workers receive a fixed daily allowance.

The government’s “social leasing” programme returns for a third round, allowing 50 000 households to rent electric cars for at least three years at a monthly cost of €100‑200, with a maximum aid of €7 000 per vehicle. As Minister Maud Bregeon put it, the goal is “50 000 voitures pour les Français modestes”.

The regulated gas price index (PRVG) will rise 7.4 % to €164.21 /MWh, which the Commission de régulation de l’énergie expects to add about €2.70 to the average July gas bill for consumers with indexed contracts.

The 2025‑2026 school year will finish on 3 July, with classes resuming on 2 September for zones A, B and C.

Finally, the exemption from employer‑paid social contributions for private‑home aides will shift from age 70 to age 80, affecting roughly 350 000 seniors and aiming to save €100 million for the state.