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Knife-Edge Vote on France’s 2026 Social Security Budget as Philippe Urges Horizons to Abstain

The government's refusal to use 49.3 or ordonnances leaves a fragmented Assembly with a finely balanced decision.

Overview

  • The final Assembly vote on the 2026 Social Security financing bill is set for Tuesday and is projected to be extremely close, with outcomes hinging on only a few votes.
  • The Socialist Party will back the text after extracting key concessions, including suspending the pension reform, raising the CSG on capital income, and dropping plans to increase medical co‑payments.
  • Édouard Philippe told LCI he recommends Horizons deputies abstain, exposing internal strains, while Les Républicains are largely split between abstention and opposition and Greens weigh a potentially decisive stance.
  • The revenue section passed on December 5 by 166–140 with 32 abstentions, a result analysts say reflected opponent absenteeism that may not recur for the decisive vote.
  • Officials have ruled out a loi spéciale, ordonnances under article 47.3, and use of 49.3; ministers warn a rejection could fuel political, economic, and social instability, with no automatic resignation planned.