Following ten days of strike by liberal doctors, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, in office since October 2025, faces a partial legislative election in Loiret on January 18 and 25, which could determine her future in government. Although the social security budget has been adopted, her performance in debates has not won universal approval. She met with unions to ease tensions.
Stéphanie Rist begins her fourth month as Health Minister on avenue de Ségur, under increased pressure from the strike by liberal doctors that lasted from January 5 to 15. This dispute, featuring varied demands by specialty but united in defending professional autonomy, mobilized unions who initially refused a meeting with her, preferring Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
On Thursday, January 15, between union appointments, the minister received Le Monde in her office. She reiterated that if not re-elected in the Loiret partial legislative election, she would resign: “It seems normal to me, if there is a sanction at the ballot box.” This vote, set for Sundays January 18 and 25, comes amid political instability, with threats to the executive over the budget.
Despite the adoption of the social security budget, described as a “technician,” her debate performances divide opinions. On Friday, she formalized concessions, including an amendment to remove sick leave oversight and the “mise sous objectifs” procedure from the anti-fraud bill, a red line for general practitioners. These openings aim to defuse the revolt, but uncertainty lingers over her government position.
