On Friday, December 5, 2025, the National Assembly adopted in second reading the suspension of Élisabeth Borne's pension reform, by 162 votes for against 75. This measure, a government concession to the Socialist Party, had been reinstated by the Senate the previous week. The vote paves the way for a potential adoption of the 2026 Social Security budget, but uncertainties remain for the solemn vote on Tuesday, December 9.
After the adoption of the revenues section of the 2026 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS), by 166 votes for against 140 and 32 abstentions, deputies took another step on Friday evening. A large majority, including macronists, bayrouists, and socialists, voted for the government amendment suspending Élisabeth Borne's pension reform. As in the first reading a few weeks ago, the vote resulted in 162 for and 75 against, validating the concession made by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to the Socialist Party during his general policy statement.
Last week, the Senate, with a LR and centrist majority, had reinstated the reform. This Assembly vote provisionally suspends it again. However, nothing is final. The expenses section of the PLFSS must be adopted on Saturday, followed by a solemn vote on Tuesday afternoon. Given the balance of power in the Assembly, adoption remains uncertain: the revenues vote was only by a narrow majority, partly due to the absence of several RN deputies at funerals, according to a quoted socialist.
“We won't cry victory too soon. On Tuesday, we will have to close ranks...”, dreaded a macronist after the vote. In case of rejection, the pension reform suspension would be called into question, as would the budget's adoption before year's end. If adopted, the text would return to the Senate for a second reading, potentially rejected by a 'preliminary question'. It would then go back to the Assembly for a quick final reading, enshrining the suspension.
The government hopes to contain the Social Security deficit to 20 billion euros in 2026, after compromises on CSG and other measures. Sébastien Lecornu hailed the 'consultation work' with political forces.
