France's National Assembly Narrowly Passes Social Security Budget, Suspends Pension Reform Amid Political Tensions
December 16, 2025
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu secured passage through concessions, gains from the Socialist Party, and fluctuating support from LR and Horizons, amid opposition from La France insoumise and the National Rally.
The National Assembly ultimately adopted the 2026 Social Security budget after a tense, drawn‑out process that included a motion of rejection and last‑minute negotiations; the Senate could not agree on a key provision.
Labor and party reactions to the suspension are mixed, highlighting divisions over the reform’s fate and its policy implications.
France’s National Assembly approved the social security budget by a narrow margin, 247 votes to 232, while suspending the 2023 pension reform that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
If the CMP reaches an agreement but the Assembly rejects it, the government risks a defeat; Lecornu emphasizes avoiding that scenario.
The broader context includes the Senate’s revised budget and ongoing CMP talks to finalize the state budget, with a possible special law if CMP fails and timing shifts for final Parliament deliberations.
Negotiations on the broader state budget center on revenue measures and fiscal justice, with a cross‑chamber CMP (mixed committee) aiming to seal an agreement by week’s end, though compromise remains uncertain.
Coverage portrays the process as high‑stakes and time‑sensitive, with final decisions shaped by cross‑party concessions and political calculations.
Political dynamics feature Socialists offering abstention or support only on acceptable terms, Ecologists opposing the budget, and potential use of 49.3 or a special law if CMP fails as deadlines loom.
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If parliament fails to agree by year‑end, the government can extend the current budget temporarily to avoid a lapse in funding.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources

FRANCE 24 • Dec 16, 2025
French lawmakers adopt 2026 social security budget, suspend Macron's flagship pension reform
The Local France • Dec 17, 2025
French lawmakers adopt social security budget and suspend pension reform