Bruno Retailleau Advocates Changes to France’s State Medical Aid for Undocumented Migrants
On January 20, 2025, Bruno Retailleau, the French Interior Minister, reaffirmed his commitment to reforming the state medical aid program (AME) that provides healthcare access to undocumented migrants in France. During an appearance on the BFM Politique show, Retailleau stated, “We will touch it,” indicating that the Bayrou government plans to make significant adjustments to this system.
The AME is designed to offer medical treatment to foreign nationals without a regular residence permit who have been residing in France for over three months and are in financial need.This program has been a point of contention in French politics, with various factions advocating for its modification or complete elimination.Retailleau’s remarks come in the wake of the Evin/Stefanini report, which he supports. This report, presented at the end of 2023, criticized the AME as possibly encouraging illegal immigration. It suggested that the scope of healthcare services available thru the AME shoudl be narrowed. The report also emphasized the importance of the AME in preventing health deterioration among undocumented migrants and mitigating the risk of disease spread within the broader population.
The political landscape surrounding the AME is polarized.Right-wing and far-right parties are pushing for a reduction in the services covered by the AME or its outright abolition.Conversely,leftist and centrist groups defend the program,arguing that it is essential for public health and humanitarian reasons. in December, the French Senate approved a budget cut of 200 million euros from the AME’s allocation, which totals 1.3 billion euros, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year.
As the debate continues, the future of the AME remains uncertain, with advocates on both sides of the issue preparing for a contentious political battle. The outcome will not only affect the healthcare access of undocumented migrants but also shape the broader discourse on immigration and public health in France.
