The National Assembly adopted a government amendment on November 12 suspending the 2023 pension reform until 2027, with 255 votes in favor and 146 against. This measure, demanded by socialists to avoid censure, divided the left, as Insoumis voted against in favor of full repeal. Debates on the Social Security budget ended at midnight on November 13 without a vote, sending the text to the Senate.
Debates on the 2026 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) at the National Assembly marked a turning point on November 12. At 5:33 p.m., lawmakers approved a government amendment suspending the 2023 pension reform under Élisabeth Borne. This text, raising the legal retirement age to 64 and increasing required quarters, is paused until the 2027 presidential election, extended to long careers and funded by a CSG increase on capital income.
The vote, close at 255 in favor and 146 against out of 401 expressed ballots, saw the Socialist Party (PS) and ecologists vote yes, the National Rally (RN) support it, while La France Insoumise (LFI) and communists opposed. Renaissance deputies abstained, following Gabriel Attal who calls for a 'revolution' of the system in 2027. 'It's a stage victory. The absolute totem of the Macron camp has been shaken,' rejoiced Olivier Faure, PS first secretary. Mathilde Panot (LFI) denounced a 'shift' that 'would condemn thousands to die before seeing a single day of their retirement.'
Bruno Retailleau (LR) called the suspension a 'capitulation' sacrificing 'the future of our young generations.' Adopted to avoid socialist censure and stabilize Sébastien Lecornu's government, the measure costs 200 million euros in 2026 and 500 million in 2027.
On November 13, after 20 days of discussions, debates ended at midnight without a final vote, with nearly 300 amendments pending. 'Ministers are dragging it out,' accused Mathilde Panot, while Amélie de Montchalin, Minister for Public Accounts, promised to respond 'on the substance' of amendments. The amended text is sent to the Senate for committee review by week's end and plenary on November 19.
