French National Assembly Votes on Contentious 2026 Social Security Budget Amidst Party Divisions and Increased Health Funding

On December 9, 2025, the French National Assembly is set to vote on the 2026 Social Security budget (PLFSS), a decision fraught with political tension and financial significance. The government, led by the presidential party Ensemble and supported by the Modem, has secured backing from the Socialist Party, whose 69 votes came after negotiation concessions. Socialist leader expressed that the compromise was worth endorsing, with former president François Hollande praising the suspension of certain reforms as progress. However, opposition is firm from the far-right Rassemblement National and the far-left La France Insoumise, both rejecting the budget for its failure to adequately address fiscal issues. The Republicans are split, some favoring abstention or opposition due to content concerns, with similar abstention considerations from Horizons and the Ecologists.

Financially, the budget anticipates a deficit of €19.6 billion, with health insurance spending projected to rise by 3 percent, reaching €17.6 billion initially, and higher now with amendments. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned that failure to pass the budget could cause the deficit to balloon to at least €29-30 billion. In a last-ditch attempt to bolster support, Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin announced an amendment increasing health allocations by €8 billion from 2025 to 2026, split equally between hospitals and outpatient care, plus €1 billion for autonomy.

Charles de Courson (Liot party) urged caution against rejecting the budget, highlighting risks of chaos and worsening deficits. The vote remains uncertain, with government hopes pinned on party alliances and the newly announced financial allocations. This vote is critical in shaping France's social security financing and health sector funding going forward.