The National Assembly adopted the suspension of the pension reform until January 2028 on Wednesday, backed by the PS, ecologists, and RN. On Thursday, deputies voted against cutting the 10% tax abatement for retirees, removing other measures targeting seniors from the 2026 budget. These moves signal a government retreat amid political divisions.
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the National Assembly approved in first reading, by 255 votes to 146, a government amendment suspending the so-called 'Borne' pension reform until January 2028, as part of the 2026 social security financing bill (PLFSS). This article, added by rectifying letter, gained support from the Socialist Party (PS), ecologists, and National Rally (RN), with abstentions from Renaissance and MoDem groups. Republicans (LR) were divided: 25 against, 8 for, and 9 abstentions, despite party instructions to vote no. LR leader Laurent Wauquiez opposed the measure, while Bruno Retailleau called it a 'capitulation' on X. RN spokesperson Laure Lavalette mocked LR divisions, noting 17 of their deputies voted for or abstained.
The text, incompletely examined due to constitutional deadlines, was sent to the Senate. PS first secretary Olivier Faure hailed an 'important victory,' stating the 'absolute totem for Macronie has been shaken.' CFDT secretary general Marylise Léon urged this 'first stop' to signal to the world of work.
On Thursday, November 13, deputies voted against lowering the 10% tax niche for retirees, a measure that would have yielded 1.2 billion euros. Other devices targeting seniors, from former Prime Minister François Bayrou's savings plan, are set to vanish from the budget. These decisions highlight an intergenerational budget war, shielding retirees from initial cuts.
Elisabeth Borne, architect of the 2023 reform, made a discreet return to the Assembly that same Thursday after her ousting from the Lecornu II government. As a Renaissance deputy from Calvados, she rejoins the Ensemble pour la République group, intent on asserting herself against Gabriel Attal, while expressing regret over ministerial instability.
