This protest is driven by widespread discontent within the pharmacy sector, with many pharmacists warning that the discount cuts threaten their financial viability, especially in rural areas, and could lead to closures and drug shortages.

Pharmacists argue that the reduction in discounts, which account for about one-third of their margins, will jeopardize the survival of up to 6,000 pharmacies, particularly in villages and neighborhoods, and favor large chains and foreign markets at the expense of local healthcare access.

On August 16, 2025, over 90% of approximately 4,500 pharmacies in France plan to close temporarily in a nationwide protest against government measures to cut healthcare costs, specifically targeting a reduction in commercial discounts for generic medications from 40% to 30%.

The government plans to implement the discount reduction starting in September, with further cuts to 20% by 2027, as part of broader efforts to save €1.7 billion and cut €40 billion from the national healthcare budget.

The strike reflects broader concerns over drug shortages and the impact of austerity measures on public health services, with additional protests scheduled for September 18 and weekly Saturdays to maintain pressure on policymakers.

Union leaders and pharmacists criticize the decree as damaging to small pharmacies, calling it a 'death sentence' and a 'gift to the pharmaceutical industry,' demanding its immediate suspension.

The protest coincides with a public holiday on August 15 and a Sunday, periods when many pharmacies are already closed, emphasizing the importance for residents to stock up on medications in advance.

Patrick Raymond, Uspo president in Bouches-du-Rhône, warns that these measures could trigger a chain of closures and layoffs, potentially causing drug shortages if labs shift away from the French market.

While support for the September 2 strike is mixed, the intersyndical coalition plans further actions, including a nationwide closure on September 18 and weekly Saturday strikes from September 27 to sustain pressure.

Following Saturday closures, further actions and prolonged strikes by emergency pharmacies are expected, including closures of pharmacies de garde on September 18 and Saturdays from September 27 onwards.

Uspo argues that these discounts serve as a bargaining tool for the state to negotiate lower prices with pharmaceutical companies, and their reduction threatens the economic viability of pharmacies.

The government aims to save €1.7 billion through these reforms, which are part of a broader effort to cut €40 billion from the national budget, potentially impacting the quality and accessibility of pharmaceutical care.