France Senate blocks assisted‑dying legislation, prompting call for referendum

On 12 May, the French Senate rejected for a second time the bill that would create a right to assisted dying, stripping the text of all its articles. Republican senator Bruno Retailleau, also a presidential candidate, urged a national referendum on the issue, criticizing the Senate’s handling of what he described as a major societal reform.

The government, which retains a clear majority in the National Assembly, can still push the measure forward. Lawmakers hope the lower house will adopt the text before the summer recess, while opponents fear a contentious joint committee will fail to reconcile the positions. The debate has revived calls from supporters and opposition groups alike, with the former pressing for swift passage and the latter welcoming the Senate’s stance.