The potential rejection of the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) could lead to significant financial turmoil, risking delays in social benefit payments and a projected €30 billion deficit next year. Without a new budget, hospital tariffs may remain stagnant, exacerbating the financial strain on healthcare institutions. The government faces a critical juncture, with options including a special law to raise borrowing limits, but uncertainty looms over the future of public finances and healthcare access.
Marine Le Pen announced that the French government has ended discussions on potential changes to the social security bill, which is part of the upcoming budget for the National Assembly. This decision may lead to a no-confidence vote as early as Wednesday, following comments from Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin.
France's budget minister announced that requests to amend the 2025 budget would amount to nearly €10 billion ($10.6 billion) as the government seeks to maintain power amid challenges. Laurent Saint-Martin emphasized that the compromise on electricity taxation lacks full financing and should not lead to increased gas taxes.
France's government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, faces instability as the far-right National Rally, under Marine Le Pen, threatens to withdraw support over a contentious budget bill aimed at reducing the deficit. With a looming vote of no confidence and a budget deadline of December 21, the political landscape remains precarious, especially as Le Pen's ongoing embezzlement trial adds uncertainty to her party's actions. The government, reliant on National Rally's backing, risks further chaos if the budget is pushed through without concessions.
The French Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq, announced a 5% reduction in Social Security reimbursements for medical consultations and drugs, aiming for savings of up to 5 billion euros in healthcare spending. Medical consultations will now be reimbursed at 65%, while drug reimbursement rates may also decrease. The government plans to implement these changes through ministerial decree, despite potential backlash from the pharmaceutical industry.
France's government is scaling back its proposed tax increases for employers to maintain pro-business policies while addressing public finance gaps. The 2025 budget bill, which aims to generate €60 billion through tax hikes and spending cuts, includes changes to tax breaks for low-income worker employment, expected to raise around €4 billion.
The French government plans to implement a three-day waiting period for sick leave in the civil service, reducing compensation to 90% after the first three days, aiming to save 1.2 billion euros. This move has sparked outrage among public employee unions, who argue it undermines civil servants' rights and purchasing power. The government justifies the changes by citing the need to align public sector practices with the private sector, where absenteeism rates are lower.
The French government has reached a tripartite agreement with Sanofi and the American investment fund CD&R for the sale of the Opella subsidiary, which markets Doliprane. The deal includes strong guarantees for maintaining production in France, with a commitment to produce 250 million boxes annually and significant penalties for non-compliance. CD&R will invest €70 million over five years, while the French state will hold a minority stake through Bpifrance to ensure governance and adherence to the agreed conditions.
The French government has unveiled its 2025 Finance Bill, featuring a revised income tax scale and new taxes targeting the wealthiest individuals and large corporations to address a looming deficit. Key measures include an increase in the solidarity tax on airline tickets and the extension of zero-rate loans for first-time buyers. Additionally, pension increases will be indexed to inflation with a six-month delay, while budgets for the Army and Health remain stable amidst efforts to support farmers and address public spending.
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