French Assembly Passes Revenue Section of 2026 Social Security Budget Amidst Political Divisions

On December 5, 2025, the French National Assembly voted to adopt the revenue section ('Partie Recettes') of the 2026 Social Security budget (PLFSS) in a significant legislative step. The approval was secured in a second reading with a vote of 166 in favor and 140 against, marking a victory for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and the government coalition.

Support for the budget's revenue component came chiefly from deputies belonging to Renaissance (macronists), the Democratic Movement (MoDem), the Socialist Party (PS), and the Liot group. Some members of The Republicans (LR) also voted in favor, while others abstained. Deputies from the Horizons party, led by Édouard Philippe, and communists predominantly abstained. In contrast, opposition mounted from the National Rally-Union of the Right and Centre (RN-UDR) alliance, France Insoumise (LFI), ecologists, and the ciottistes. The Ecologist and Social group publicly confirmed their intention to reject the revenue part, criticizing the government for underfunding healthcare and opposing demands for increased contributions from wealthy individuals.

Ahead of the vote, the government negotiated a key amendment that reduced the planned increase in the Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG) on wealth, aiming to defuse tensions among deputies. Furthermore, the government pledged not to raise medical deductibles by decree without parliamentary consent, responding to widespread opposition from deputies, including prominent voices like Édouard Philippe. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon emphasized that parliamentary approval is essential to avoid a budgetary deadlock that could push France towards a 30 billion euro deficit.

The passage of the revenue section paves the way for a final vote on the entire Social Security budget text scheduled for Tuesday. Minister of Health Laurent Panifous stressed the urgency, declaring that "there is no other horizon" than completing the vote before December 31 to prevent administrative and financial disruption.

This legislative progress reflects a delicate balance of support and resistance within the Assembly, with the government making concessions to build consensus yet facing challenges from opposition groups demanding more robust social funding measures.

The subsequent vote on Tuesday will determine whether the 2026 Social Security budget is fully adopted, a crucial step to ensure financial stability and social welfare provisions in France for the coming year.