Faced with a draft 2026 Social Security budget they deem threatening, unions representing independent physicians are intensifying their mobilization and calling for an unprecedented strike starting January 5th . The organizations denounce a text which, according to them, would seriously weaken primary care.

🛑 A national movement starting January 5th

The seven representative organizations in the sector are calling on practitioners to prepare for a work stoppage and are already requesting that all appointments scheduled for that date be postponed . This initiative follows local actions already undertaken, such as a strike in the Southeast on December 3rd.

1. The UFML is leading the protest and calling for a ten-day strike, from January 5th to 15th, if the contested measures are not withdrawn. Dr. Jérôme Marty, its president, expressed unprecedented anger: " I have never seen such a significant attack against the profession, nor such intense anger ."

🏥 Surgeons join the protest

The movement will not be limited to general practitioners. The specialists' union Le Bloc is also announcing a strike by surgeons, which will run from January 5 to 19 .

Some of the thousands of practitioners concerned are even considering temporary exile in Brussels to protect themselves from possible requisitions.

💰 Budget measures at the heart of tensions

The unions are targeting several provisions of the bill which they consider "destructive":

1. Additional tax on fees: The intention to introduce an additional tax on the income of doctors in sectors 2 and 3.
2. Unilateral adjustment of tariffs: The possibility for Health Insurance to reduce, without negotiation, tariffs deemed "too profitable" in areas such as radiotherapy, imaging, dialysis or nephrology.
3. Low increase in funding: The funding allocated to general practice is limited to only a 0.9% increase in the initial version, a figure deemed insufficient, especially compared to the 2.4% planned for hospitals.
4. Elimination of tax breaks: A controversial amendment aims to eliminate certain tax advantages for doctors under contract.

Dr. Marty stated that the unions would directly appeal to " the Prime Minister, and I think to the President of the Republic ," calling on the highest level of the state to intervene as an arbiter.