Nicolas Sarkozy had already unveiled his intentions in April. In the case of unjustified school absenteeism, family allowances would be “systematically” suspended. Five months earlier, the UMP deputy of the first electoral district of Alpes-Maritimes, Éric Ciotti, proposed a law in Parliament that aligned with the head of state’s stance. A proposal that has now become significant: after gaining the Senate’s approval last June, the deputies in turn voted for the text on September 15, 2010.
What does the text provide?
If a student is absent for at least four half-days without justification, the head of the institution reports it to the academic inspector. The inspector then notifies the family and “directs them towards support systems.” At the same time, he contacts the president of the general council for a “parental responsibility” contract to be established. If, during the following month, the student is again absent, the academic inspector is then “obliged” to inform the director of the Caf, who will cease the payment of family allowances. If the child demonstrates school attendance again and this “assiduity” is observed for at least one month, the payment of family allowances can then be reinstated.
Of course, the opposition camp does not approve of this text. Even within the majority, there is no consensus. Luc Chatel, the Minister of Education, criticizes this reform, stating that some parents were not fulfilling their role. A measure that jeopardizes many families and will not necessarily resolve the issue of school absenteeism.
