-
Dozens more local bank branches set to close across France
Around 60 to 90 LCL French branches will shut down gradually, the bank confirmed
-
Chevaline murders: Investigators hope to stage reenactment of 2012 attack with surviving sisters
Cold case remains unsolved after 14 years
-
European Heritage Days 2026: ideas for visits in France
Over 28,000 events are set to host visitors for free on September 19 and 20
France votes to reduce cost of cancelling phone contracts early
This could make it easier to terminate an internet or mobile contract before its end date, but some MPs warn it could cause contract prices to rise
Cancelling a mobile phone or internet contract early could soon cost less in France after MPs voted yesterday (July 11) to cut some of the cancellation fees, as part of plans to boost public purchasing power.
The two amendments from the Les Républicains MP Julien Dive (centre-right), supported by La France Insoumise (LFI, left-wing), were adopted before the arrival of the full purchasing power bill in the chamber on July 18.
Currently, when a consumer ends a phone or internet contract of more than 12 months before the end of the contract period, they have to pay the remaining monthly instalments for the first year and 25% of the remaining costs for the second year.
The first of the two amendments suggests abolishing the second-year charges.
Mr Dive, MP for Aisne, said: “This amendment directly gives purchasing power back to people in France.”
Mr Tavel, LFI MP, said: “This is a common-sense measure that goes in the right direction.”
However, Renaissance (centre-right) spokesperson Sandra Marsaud warned that the decisions could cause “several legal difficulties,” and risk “opportunistic behaviour that could destabilise the market”.
She warned: “This could throw any kind of contract, all types of engagement, into question. It’s a real revolution.”
The second of the two amendments would get rid of all of the costs of cancelling a telephone or internet contract for consumers who are going through insolvency proceedings, and who can provide "concrete proof" of this.
LFI MP Sophia Chikirou said that the measures constituted “social progress”. Ms Marsaud said that this second amendment was a measure that “appeared useful”, and said that “only admin fees would still be charged” in the case of bankruptcy.
However, Renaissance MP Frédéric Descrozaille warned that the two amendments risked causing an “increase in the price” of phone contracts, if operators look to compensate themselves for potential cancellations.
The two amendments will now be passed to the Social Affairs Committee, with a view to integrating them directly into the bill. This is set to be debated from next Monday (July 18).
Related articles
