The CFE at the heart of debates in Cambodia: a turning point for French citizens living abroad

In September 2025, the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE) will take centre stage in Cambodia. This essential institution, created in 1978 and responsible for ensuring the continuity of social protection for French expatriates, is at a crucial crossroads for its future. With reforms on the horizon, financial challenges and growing expectations from policyholders, there is widespread mobilisation: institutions, elected officials, associations and citizens are coming together to discuss, understand and propose sustainable solutions.

A changing system facing new challenges

The CFE is a unique organisation that provides health, maternity, disability and workplace accident insurance to French citizens living outside France. But at a time of increasing international mobility, its economic model and pricing structure are being called into question. The financial balance has been disrupted, particularly due to old contracts known as ‘EX contracts’, inherited from a 2019 reform. These contracts, which were unanimously approved at the time, have had unexpected effects. Substantial increases in contributions were imposed at the beginning of 2025, forcing some insured persons to pay up to three times more than before, with a significant social impact.

Florian Bohême, advisor to French citizens abroad in Cambodia and member of the CFE Board of Directors, discusses this challenge:

"Restoring the accounts is a priority. We must find the right balance between fair contributions from members and full responsibility on the part of the State in financing this form of social security."

His commitment reflects a shared desire for transparency and political innovation through enhanced dialogue between stakeholders.

A tense but hopeful September 2025

September will be marked by a series of major events. On Monday 8 September, a webinar hosted by Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad, will bring together the General Inspectorates of the Social Ministries (IGAS) and Bercy (IGF). This working session, rare in its approach to transparency, will present the conclusions of an economic audit of the CFE. The stated objective is clear: to convince and co-construct a roadmap for sustainable social protection.

Then, on Friday 12 September, in Phnom Penh, the Consular Council will bring together elected officials, state representatives, qualified personalities and citizens. For the first time, French citizens living in Cambodia will have their say, so that their real needs can be heard and translated into concrete proposals. This participatory approach illustrates a democratic evolution adapted to the realities of a dynamic expatriate community.

Finally, on Saturday 13 September, the French Institute in Cambodia will host a public meeting open to all. Organised by the collective ‘Français au Cambodge – Plus Forts Ensemble’ (French in Cambodia – Stronger Together), this meeting will provide a forum for discussion on practical issues such as membership, reimbursements, coordination with supplementary health insurance and the functioning of third-party payment. It highlights the importance of clear and accessible information for a community that is often far removed from French institutions.

Local initiatives that are part of a global movement

These events are part of a broader framework, that of the Assises de la protection sociale des Français de l'étranger (Conference on Social Protection for French Nationals Abroad), which began several months ago around the world. Since June 2025, similar debates have been held in Siem Reap, co-organised by the Français du Monde association and local representatives, on the issues of simplification, efficiency and solidarity. Institutional actors such as the Chair of the CFE Board of Directors, Isabelle Frej, elected officials and experts have contributed significantly to these discussions.

Beyond Cambodia's borders, the issue of healthcare accessibility, costs and the sustainability of the system has raised many questions. The role of the State in supporting its expatriates through an appropriate social security system continues to lay the groundwork for a necessary but complex reform.

Towards a revamped CFE that is fairer and more supportive?

The view of the CFE in 2025 is no longer purely technical: it is also political and social. The coalition of committed stakeholders embodies a strong desire to welcome and listen to French citizens living outside the country's borders in order to respond to the challenges they face. Consultation is now the key to a peaceful future.

From ministerial audits to local debates, the aim is to redefine the contours of a robust system that guarantees sustainable, attractive and equitable social protection. This September in Cambodia could therefore mark a turning point, a pivotal stage in ensuring that the CFE continues to serve those it protects, wherever they may be in the world.