France implements new gas prices and sick leave caps

Starting September 1, several regulatory and policy changes will affect daily life in France. The government has confirmed that a ban on mobile phones in high schools may become effective this term.

Energy costs are also set to rise, with the reference gas price increasing by 5.6% to an average of 172.05 euros per megawatt-hour. The Commission de régulation de l‘énergie attributed this hike to rising wholesale prices driven by conflict in the Middle East, affecting approximately six million residential households.

In a move to reduce social security spending, the government is introducing caps on sick leave. New regulations will limit initial sick leave to 31 days and extensions to 62 days, unless a medical condition justifies an exception. This measure aims to generate 10 million euros in annual savings.