Social Security Budget Faces Backlash as Government Prepares to Bypass Parliament

Despite lacking a parliamentary majority, Prime Minister Barnier is poised to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through the 2025 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) without a vote, a move that will likely trigger a censure motion from opposition parties.

This controversial bill, the culmination of intense negotiations and concessions, is characterized as a “transitional budget, neither ambitious nor glorious” by Frédéric Valletoux, president of the social affairs committee of the National Assembly and former health minister.

One of the most contentious aspects of the bill involves exemptions from social security contributions. While these exemptions are costly, contributing to an annual outlay of almost €80 billion, the government’s initial plan to scale them back faced stiff opposition.

A Compromised Bill Sparks Controversy

The original proposal to shrink these exemptions, which would have generated an estimated €4 billion in revenue for public coffers, was met with resistance from Barnier’s own party. Critics argued the move contradicted the pro-business supply-side economics championed by President Macron’s administration.

Ultimately, the government softened its stance, revising its target downward to achieve a €1.6 billion gain. Despite this concession, opposition from both conservative and far-right factions remains.

The debate over social security realities plays out amidst a broader struggle over the nation’s future. As the government prepares to bypass parliamentary approval, the political landscape remains tense, with the fate of the budget hanging in the balance.

How might the controversial nature of the 2025 Social Security financing ​bill itself influence public⁣ opinion on Prime Minister ‌Barnier’s decision to bypassParliamentary procedures? [[1](https://thehill.com/business/budget/4904464-social-security-reform-bill/)]

**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Jean Moreau, a leading political analyst, to discuss the heated debate surrounding the‍ 2025 ‌Social⁢ Security financing bill. Dr. Moreau, ‍Prime Minister Barnier is facing ⁣significant backlash for his plan to bypass Parliament. How do you think the public will react to this move, especially given the controversial nature of the bill itself?