Deputies adopted an amendment on Friday making public the real prices of reimbursable drugs and discounts granted by pharmaceutical companies to the state. This measure, pushed by the ecologist group, aims to strengthen democratic oversight of social security spending. The government opposed it, fearing higher costs.
During debates on the 2026 social security financing bill (PLFSS), the National Assembly approved an amendment on Friday to establish transparency on drug prices. Presented by Hendrik Davi from the ecologist group, the amendment requires pharmaceutical companies to disclose the real prices paid by health insurance, as well as confidential discounts negotiated by the Economic Committee for Health Products (CEPS).
“It is an absolutely indispensable transparency measure: it must finally allow public and democratic control over drug spending funded by national solidarity,” stated Hendrik Davi. Published prices in the Official Journal do not match actual rates, thanks to discounts amounting to 9 billion euros in 2024 for a total market exceeding 36 billion euros in France.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist opposed the amendment, arguing that “it falls under trade secrets” and that “it allows us to obtain discounts.” She warned of the risk of paying higher prices if discounts are not kept confidential. The amendment was adopted by the entire left and the National Rally (RN), against the government's advice.
This vote occurs amid a social security deficit estimated at 23 billion euros in 2025, which the executive aims to reduce to 17.5 billion in 2026 through savings. PLFSS debates, started on Tuesday, November 4, cover about 1,000 amendments, with the revenues section under discussion.
