French National Assembly Approves Suspension of 2025 Pension Reform in Social Security Budget

On December 16, 2025, the French National Assembly definitively approved the social security financing law, which includes the suspension of the contentious 2025 pension reform. The law passed with a narrow majority, receiving 247 votes in favor and 232 against, marking a significant political victory for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

The approval followed extensive debate and amendments, with Minister of Health Stéphanie Rist highlighting that this budget underwent more discussion than any other in the past three years. She asserted, "This budget is not that of a government facing Parliament, but that of a Parliament serving the country."

A notable aspect of this vote was the uncommon support from the Socialist Party, despite their opposition status, whereas some traditional allies of the government, such as members of Les Républicains and Horizons, opposed the budget. This complex political alignment reflects the contentious nature of the pension reform and the social security budget.

While the social security budget was approved, negotiations for the state budget continue and are expected to be even more complex prior to the December 31 deadline. The suspension of the pension reform embedded in the social security budget signals a temporary halt to the controversial changes originally slated for 2025, reflecting the current political and social climate in France.