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French Government Faces Knife-Edge Vote on 2026 Social Security Budget

Socialist support narrows the margin, leaving ecologists to weigh a late health‑spending boost.

Overview

  • The National Assembly is set to decide Tuesday on the full PLFSS for 2026, with the outcome expected to hinge on only a few votes.
  • LR chief Bruno Retailleau labeled the plan a “hold-up” and urged his deputies to abstain or vote against, Horizons signaled non-support, and Michel Barnier said he will abstain.
  • PS leader Olivier Faure called his 69 deputies to back the government text after concessions including suspending the pension reform, a key point driving right‑wing opposition.
  • The government prepared a late amendment to lift the health insurance spending target to 3% from 2% in a bid to sway ecologist deputies, who say the move could influence their stance.
  • Ministers warn rejection would push the Social Security deficit toward about €30 billion in 2026; RN figures say the prime minister should resign if the text fails, while the executive has avoided using 49.3 so far.