Mixed Commission Deadlock Forces Social Security Budget Back to Assembly

Negotiations for the 2026 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) have hit a significant roadblock as a mixed commission consisting of seven deputies and seven senators failed to reach an agreement on November 26, 2025. The deadlock was anticipated by key political figures, including Thibault Bazin, a deputy from the Republicans and rapporteur for the PLFSS, who noted the Senate's refusal to engage in compromise. This failure follows the Senate's controversial vote on a heavily amended version of the bill, which diverged substantially from both the government's original proposal and the National Assembly's version.

As a result of the commission's impasse, the bill will return to the Palais Bourbon for a crucial second reading scheduled for the following Tuesday. The executive branch appeared to prefer this inconclusive outcome, as it prevents the Assembly from rejecting a bill dominated by right-wing amendments. However, concerns linger about forging an agreement with socialists during the ongoing parliamentary process.

This setback continues a complex negotiation process that began with the government's initial proposal on October 13 and saw differing amendments passed by the two chambers, including the Assembly's approval of its version of the revenue section on November 8 and the Senate's recent acceptance of its own revised bill. The failure to conciliate underscores the political tensions surrounding the budget and raises uncertainty about possible future readings and amendments in Parliament.