New French PM names mental health as top government priority for 2025

Mental health will be one of the main priorities of the new French government in 2025, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier told French MPs during his speech on general policy on Tuesday (1 October).

"I want to say it clearly: mental health is everybody's business: The state, local authorities, businesses, associations. We will, therefore, make mental health the major national cause of 2025," said Barnier.

France's new prime minister, appointed by French President Emmanuel Macron on 5 September, presented the broad policy guidelines of his government to French MPs on Tuesday afternoon.

In particular, he mentioned the "urgent need" to find solutions to five "major priorities", including access to quality public services.

After speaking about access to schools and education, Barnier spoke of access to health care, especially in the area of mental and psychological health, an issue he said was "particularly close" to his "heart".

"Successive crises, in particular the Covid crisis not so long ago, have had a major impact on the mental health of many French people," Barnier told MPs.

In France, mental illness is the number one health insurance expense, according to government figures.

"These illnesses can be treated, and prevention is essential. Progress is being made in research and treatment. But there is so much to be done in terms of support for patients and their carers," Barnier added.

In his speech, Barnier also mentioned cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders and access to care, education and employment for those affected, saying these would also be priorities.

In France, mental health problems affect one in five people, particularly young people, according to the country's Health Ministry.

[Edited by Daniel Eck]