The French National Assembly adopted the 2026 social security funding bill (PLFSS) on December 9 by a narrow margin of 13 votes, thanks to a compromise with the Socialist Party. This success for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu includes the suspension of the pension reform, a key Socialist demand. The bill introduces several health measures but draws criticism from the right and far right.
The National Assembly voted on December 9, in second reading, the 2026 social security funding bill (PLFSS), with 247 yes votes, 234 no, and 93 abstentions. This adoption, achieved without using Article 49.3 of the Constitution, marks a first since 1958 in a fragmented Parliament without an absolute majority for the government. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who engaged in negotiations with the oppositions, hailed on X a 'majority of responsibility' showing that 'compromise is not just a slogan'.
The Socialist Party, led by Olivier Faure, played a pivotal role in convincing deputies from various groups, including 18 from Droite républicaine (LR) despite opposition from LR president Bruno Retailleau. The latter called the vote a 'triumph for Olivier Faure and a defeat for France', criticizing the abandonment of the pension reform and a projected deficit of 24 billion euros, double that of 2023. Retailleau regretted that the text 'sacrifices the future for the present' with more taxes and debt.
The PLFSS incorporates the suspension of the pension reform, a major concession to the Socialists, as well as health measures: limiting sick leave to one month for an initial prescription and two for renewal; exceptional taxation on mutual health insurers for one billion euros, with tariff freezes in 2026; creation of a birth leave of one to two months paid at 70% then 60% of net salary; mandatory flu vaccination in nursing homes; a 'mental health first aid pass' for 16-20 year olds; facilitating abortions with one center per department; and a plan against fetal alcohol syndrome, affecting 15,000 children annually.
Republicans and Horizons mostly abstained, while La France insoumise, the National Rally, and some communists voted against. Ecologists also abstained. The bill returns to the Senate before a final vote in the Assembly the week of December 15. Lecornu must now tackle State budget debates, potentially via a special law to avoid deadlock.
