French Social Security Budget Debate Halts Amid Retirement Reform Suspension and Political Tensions

After 20 days of intense debate, the examination of the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) at the French National Assembly ended without a vote, as parliamentary deadlines forced the government to transmit the bill to the Senate for further consideration. Nearly 300 amendments remained unaddressed, with no consensus among political groups to accelerate the process despite calls from the La France Insoumise (LFI) group. The final hours of the debate saw heightened tensions, notably when LFI group leader Mathilde Panot accused government ministers of deliberately slowing proceedings to avoid a vote. Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin responded by refusing to engage with accusations about debate delays, focusing instead on the content of amendments.

This legislative development unfolds against the backdrop of the suspension of the 2023 retirement reform. The CFDT union has welcomed the suspension as an "excellent news," emphasizing that 700,000 workers can now retire at 62 years and 9 months, three months earlier than previously stipulated. Conversely, the CGT union expressed disappointment, demanding full abrogation of the reform, highlighting that its provisions remain effective for those born in 1969. CFDT advocates for a new reform addressing financial constraints and systemic inequalities, especially regarding work hardship, gender disparities, and fragmented careers, proposing a flexible retirement system. Meanwhile, CGT pledges to continue fighting for a return to retirement at 60 years, supporting alternative financing proposals.

The indefinite postponement of the Social Security budget vote, coupled with the unresolved retirement reform, has intensified political frictions in Parliament and among labor unions. As the bill moves to the Senate, French social policy faces continued uncertainty amid calls for more equitable pension solutions and legislative clarity.