2024-11-05 20:41:00
The National Assembly continued its examination of the “expenditure” part of the Social Security budget on Tuesday evening, November 5, without any guarantee of being able to complete this legislative project before the deadline set by the Constitution at midnight.
When the debates resumed in the afternoon, several elected officials from the left or from the National Rally (RN) asked, unsuccessfully, for the order of examination of the amendments to the law on the financing of Social Security (PLFSS) to be changed. This is so that the Assembly at least has time to examine, before the fateful hour, a controversial point of the text: the six-month postponement of the revaluation of retirement pensions, wanted by the government.
Shortly after 7pm there were still almost 200 amendments to consider before arriving at the controversial provision on pensions – and almost 450 amendments in total until the end of the text.
Adoption of the “recipes” in a revised version
On Monday, to everyone’s surprise, the National Assembly adopted the “revenue” part of the text, in a version largely reworked by the left. Elected officials on the right and center voted against it. If the “spent” part, and therefore the entire PLFSS, is not adopted within the expected time frame, the text will pass to the Senate, in the government’s initial version, enriched with the “amendments voted by the National Assembly and accepted by it”as specified in the Social Security Code.
At the beginning of the evening, the deputies had adopted a list of provisions relating to health policy, often proposed by the government. They have thus validated a reform of the calendar of preventive oral and dental visits, which will now be annual for all children aged 3 years and older, and a generalization of the vaccination of middle school students against meningitis, in conjunction with that against the papillomavirus ( HPV).
The Assembly also approved the reimbursement of consultations with some qualified psychologists, without prior medical prescription, and of tests that allow the presence of chemical substances to be identified.
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Title: Navigating the Storm: The Future of Social Security in France
Interview between Time.news Editor and Social Security Expert Dr. Camille Lefèvre
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, Dr. Lefèvre! Thank you for joining us today. We’re witnessing quite the legislative drama in the National Assembly regarding the Social Security budget. Can you give us your insights into what’s at stake here?
Dr. Camille Lefèvre (CL): Good evening, and thank you for having me! Indeed, we’re in a critical moment for France’s social safety net. The examination of the “expenditure” part of the Social Security budget is not only about numbers; it’s about how we prioritize the welfare of our citizens, especially concerning pensions.
TNE: Speaking of pensions, the government is pushing for a six-month delay in revaluating retirement pensions. What implications does this have for retirees and the broader economic landscape?
CL: The six-month postponement could significantly impact retirees who rely on these pensions for their livelihood. Given the current economic environment, with rising inflation and living costs, any delay in pension revaluation can exacerbate financial strain. Moreover, it reflects the government’s ongoing struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity.
TNE: There seems to be a growing divide between the political parties on this issue. The left and the National Rally have been vocal about changing the order of amendments to prioritize pension discussions. Why is their insistence crucial at this juncture?
CL: It’s crucial because timing can dictate the outcome. If the Assembly can’t address the pension amendment before the constitutional deadline, the government may push through its original plan, which could be detrimental to retirees. These calls for prioritization highlight the political maneuvering and the broader implications on public trust in our representatives.
TNE: On a more procedural note, we see that almost 450 amendments are still on the table. How does this complexity affect the legislative process?
CL: It adds layers of difficulty. With so many amendments to consider, it’s a race against time for the Assembly. The amount of back-and-forth can lead to fatigue and confusion, which often results in rushed decisions. Moreover, if time runs out, it could mean reverting to the Senate’s original proposal, which may not align with the needs and concerns raised during the Assembly debates.
TNE: The unexpected adoption of the “revenue” part, largely influenced by leftist lawmakers, caught many by surprise. What does that say about the current political climate in France?
CL: It indicates a potential shift in public sentiment and political alliances. The left’s influence suggests that there is significant discontent with the government’s original plans and a demand for more progressive measures. It also shows that the right and center are perhaps struggling to articulate a cohesive counter-narrative that resonates with voters.
TNE: As we look ahead, if the Social Security budget doesn’t pass, what might this mean for the government’s standing and for social policies in general?
CL: Failing to pass this budget could weaken the government’s credibility, making them appear incapable of managing one of the most critical components of social welfare. It could lead to increased public unrest and fuel further political fragmentation. This outcome could also spark more rigorous debates on social policies, possibly leading to reforms that people have been advocating for.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre, for your insightful analysis on this pressing matter. It seems that the next few days will be pivotal for both the government and the citizens of France!
CL: You’re welcome! Yes, all eyes will be on the National Assembly. It’s a crucial time for dialogue and decision-making that will impact the welfare of many for years to come. Thank you for having me!
TNE: Thank you, and we look forward to following up as this story develops!