Two days before the crucial vote at the National Assembly on the 2026 social security budget, the government is preparing a possible amendment to increase health spending by 3% to win over the Ecologists. The bill includes the suspension of the retirement reform but faces strong opposition from the right and far right. Ministers warn of a political, economic, and social crisis if it is rejected.
The 2026 social security financing bill (PLFSS) is at the center of intense suspense at the National Assembly. On Friday, December 5, deputies narrowly adopted the revenues section, thanks to compromises on the CSG and the abandonment of increased medical deductibles, despite numerous absences, particularly from the National Rally (RN).
On Tuesday, December 9, two decisive votes await: first on the expenses section, including the national objective for health insurance spending (Ondam), then on the entire text. The latter provides for suspending the retirement reform until the 2027 presidential election, a concession to the socialists obtained without resorting to Article 49.3.
To secure support, Economy Minister Roland Lescure confirmed on LCI Sunday a possible amendment increasing the Ondam from 2% to 3%. "There could potentially be a final amendment [...] If we propose to the National Assembly to slightly increase health spending, I think we won't get a massive no," he stated. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist aims for this 3% target, though Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will ultimately decide. Lecornu announced on X Saturday a "key final debate: the budget for our hospitals," with a "transparent and responsible" proposal funded by structural measures.
The Ecologists, who voted against the revenues on Friday denouncing a "declinist" budget, could be swayed. Their leader, Cyrielle Chatelain, told AFP: "We want an Ondam that allows for resources [...] a bit above 3%." Without firm assurances, "it will be one of the important elements in our decision."
Opposition is intensifying, however. Jean-Philippe Tanguy (RN) warned on RTL that his group would vote against and that Lecornu should resign if rejected. Bruno Retailleau (LR) called the text a "fiscal, social, and democratic hold-up" on BFM-TV, urging LR deputies to abstain or vote against. Edouard Philippe (Horizons) announced his group would not vote "as is."
Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou alerted on France 3: rejection would end the retirement reform suspension, causing a "triple economic, political, and social disorder." "One must be ready to assume the consequences of one's vote," he insisted. Without adoption, the Secu's deficit could reach 30 billion euros in 2026, compared to 23 in 2025.
