France is facing a demographic challenge as birth rates continue to decline, prompting government officials to issue an unusual appeal targeting 29-year-olds. Authorities emphasize the urgency of starting families during the prime years of fertility, encouraging young adults to consider parenthood sooner rather than later. This call comes amid growing concerns over the long-term economic and social implications of a shrinking population, which could impact workforce availability and strain social welfare systems.

To address these issues, policymakers are proposing a suite of supportive measures aimed at making family life more accessible and appealing. These initiatives include:

  • Enhanced parental leave benefits to allow parents more time with newborns
  • Financial incentives such as tax breaks and child allowances
  • Expanded childcare services to ease the burden on working parents