French Government Considers Increasing Health Spending Amid Budget Negotiations

The French government is currently engaged in critical budget discussions concerning the social security financing law for 2026, with a significant focus on increasing health expenditure targets, known as Ondam. On December 7, Economy Minister Roland Lescure confirmed that a final amendment proposing a rise in health insurance spending would be presented before the vote on the social security budget. This move aims to secure the crucial abstention of the Ecologists, whose previous opposition to the revenue portion of the budget posed a challenge for the government.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist plans to propose a 3% increase in health spending, an upward revision from the initially planned 2%. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized the need for structural funding measures to support this increase and underlined the importance of the upcoming debate on hospital budgets. However, Lescure cautioned that while the amendment might be tabled, its approval is not guaranteed, urging the Ecologists to translate talks into concrete support.

The Ecologists seek an Ondam growth rate exceeding 3% to ensure adequate resources for healthcare workers, signaling dissatisfaction with the government’s current proposals and a feeling of marginalization compared to the Socialists, who have reportedly gained the Prime Minister’s attention. Cyrielle Chatelain, leader of the Ecologist deputies, stated that although there is no guarantee for the 3% increase to be adopted, such a decision would greatly influence their stance on the budget.

Earlier, the revenue segment of the social security financing law, which includes suspending pension reform, was narrowly approved by deputies. This development marked a victory for the Socialists and a concession by the government but left the overall outcome of the law uncertain. The upcoming vote on expenditures remains a critical challenge for the government, as failure could impact the full adoption of the social security financing law.

In summary, the government is navigating complex political dynamics as it seeks to increase health spending while securing parliamentary support. The outcome of the health spending amendment and the expenditures vote will be pivotal in shaping France's social security budget for 2026.