The Constitutional Court today ruled on the appeal lodged against the unemployment reform introduced by David Clarinval. The Court confirms the principle of time-limiting unemployment benefits and compliance with the principle of protecting fundamental rights. The Minister of Employment, David Clarinval, welcomes this. The Court recognises that the legislator may limit these benefits in time, thereby providing legal certainty. In its ruling, the Court stresses the need for certain adjustments to the transitional provisions concerning those who had been unemployed the longest.
The Arizona government's reform, passed in July 2025, limits unemployment benefits to two years, with exceptions for certain groups. Unemployment insurance becomes a temporary protection that supports people towards a new job, while guaranteeing the sustainability of our social security system. It aims to better value work, strengthen support for jobseekers and encourage fulfilment through activity rather than inactivity, and to restore social justice. Appeals against this reform were lodged at the Constitutional Court at the end of October 2025, notably by trade unions.
A compatible principle
The Constitutional Court has today delivered its ruling on the appeals lodged against this reform. It confirms that the very principle of time-limiting unemployment benefits is compatible with our Constitution.
Regarding the “transitional scheme”, the Court rules that it is discriminatory that workers who had been unemployed the longest (namely those in their third period of benefit entitlement on 30 June 2025) were only entitled to unemployment benefits for 9, 8 or 6 months from 1 July 2025, whereas the entitlement period under the new scheme is in principle 12 months. The Court annuls the “transitional scheme” of the measure.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture, David Clarinval: “I welcome the Constitutional Court's decision, which strengthens the foundations of the unemployment reform and thereby provides the necessary legal certainty. These elements have been validated and confirmed by the Court. We take note of the remark concerning the transitional period and are analysing its consequences.
Time-limiting unemployment benefits is an essential element of the government agreement and enjoys broad political and public support. Today's ruling confirms a fundamental point: the legislator may provide that unemployment benefits are limited in time. The Court thereby recognises that the central principles of our reform are compatible with the Constitution and with the recognition of everyone's fundamental rights, including in the area of social security.”
The administrations will analyse the operative part of the ruling. Instructions and precise information will be communicated as soon as possible to jobseekers, payment bodies and the relevant services.