Overview

• The 2025 Social Security budget was adopted by the Senate with 225 votes in favor and 104 against, following its approval by the National Assembly.
• The budget includes a 3.4% increase in healthcare spending, raising the total to €265.9 billion, with an additional €1 billion allocated to hospitals.
• Despite concessions, such as abandoning increased patient charges and reduced corporate contribution cuts, the projected deficit has risen from €16 billion to €22.1 billion.
• Key measures include a digital health card rollout, increased 'soda tax' and online gambling taxes, and penalties for missed medical appointments ('taxe lapin').
• Critics, including senators and opposition members, argue the budget lacks structural reforms to address long-term financial sustainability.