The National Assembly adopted on Thursday, December 4, a diluted version of the CSG increase on capital income, excluding several savings products to limit the impact on middle classes. This compromise, presented by Sébastien Lecornu's government, aims to secure Social Security budget revenues while avoiding a parliamentary deadlock. The favorable vote raises hopes for PLFSS approval before year-end.
Debates at the National Assembly on the 2026 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) took a decisive turn on Thursday, December 4. At 3:30 p.m., Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned deputies of the consequences of no budget, citing a 'total loss of control' leading to a 29 or 30 billion euro deficit in 2026. 'Who will pay the bill for mandatory levies?', he questioned, presenting an impact study requested from the Social Security directorate.
Facing tensions, the government tabled a last-minute amendment on the CSG, a measure initially proposed by the left to generate 2.8 billion euros. The adopted version raises the CSG to 10.6% on certain capital income but keeps it at 9.2% for rental income, real estate capital gains, life insurance, PEL, and PEP to 'not penalize savers'. The expected yield drops to about 1.5 billion euros. The amendment passed with 177 votes in favor, 84 against, and 92 abstentions, including 19 from LR.
This compromise, including concessions to the left like approval of a tax on mutual health insurers yielding one billion euros, was welcomed by a Renaissance deputy: 'We're almost there.' Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin also dropped the doubling of medical franchises due to lack of consensus and considered raising the Ondam to +2.5%. An Odoxa poll for Le Figaro shows 51% of French people want the PLFSS adopted, but only if excluding a CSG on heritage, rejected by 53% if included.
Despite these advances, final adoption remains uncertain, scheduled for December 9, with ongoing opposition from Horizons and LR. Lecornu refuses the 49.3, promising open dialogue to avoid a dire uncontrolled deficit scenario.
