Thousands of demonstrators marched in Paris on Sunday to oppose the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, as the Senate begins a decisive week on the bill. Participants hope to influence legislative debates through street mobilization. Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to completing legislation on end-of-life in dignity.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, a large crowd gathered in Paris for the 'march for life,' holding signs against a society that, they argue, would give death. The event comes at a pivotal moment: debates on end-of-life have resumed in the Senate after a period of political instability. Discussions began on January 7 in the social affairs committee, with examination in the chamber starting Tuesday and a solemn vote scheduled for January 28. The National Assembly is expected to take up the issue again in February.
Two bills are under parallel consideration: one, more consensual, focuses on palliative care; the other, more controversial, aims to create aid in dying, potentially including euthanasia or assisted suicide. Demonstrators recall Emmanuel Macron's commitment in his 2026 New Year's address: 'We will go to the end of the legislative work on the question of end-of-life in dignity.' They intend to influence the process, convinced that the street can still alter the law's course.
This mobilization highlights divisions on the issue in France, where part of the population firmly rejects any legalization of assisted death, preferring to strengthen palliative care.
