French Senate rejects 2026 Social Security budget

ISTANBUL

The French Senate rejected on Friday the 2026 Social Security budget bill, which had been narrowly approved by the National Assembly.

The Senate, which is mostly made up of right-wing and centrist senators, rejected the bill by adopting a "preliminary question," which is a rejection motion voted on before even considering the core of the Social Security budget bill (PLFSS), according to broadcaster Franceinfo.

The bill will be returned to the National Assembly for a final reading on Tuesday, where the final decision will be made.

The Senate had previously taken a different stance on the social security budget than the lower house, specifically opposing the suspension of pension reform.

Last week, the National Assembly overwhelmingly approved suspending the country’s contested pension reform following the Senate’s rejection of the provision.

On Tuesday, France's National Assembly narrowly approved the Social Security budget bill by a vote of 247-234 with 93 abstentions.