Senators also plan to create an emergency fund for nursing homes (Ehpad), endowed with 200 million euros, and to maintain reimbursement of spa treatments, which worsens the balance by 200 million euros. The most striking amendments concern the pension branch, whose deficit is expected at 8 billion euros in 2026, nearly double the forecast deficit.
The Court of Auditors sounded the alarm on October 20 about the accumulation of massive deficits. It calls for"holding"the objective of reducing the Social Security shortfall to 12.7 billion euros proposed by the government, versus 21.8 billion forecast for 2026.
This revaluation would reduce by 200 million euros the four-billion-euro saving planned by the executive. The government planned to freeze pensions above 1,260 euros. The committee advocates raising this ceiling to 1,500 euros.
The examination is scheduled from Monday 9 to Wednesday 18 November, with a solemn vote on the entire text. The social affairs committee finalized on November 4 the amendments it will present in session.
"We wish to guarantee purchasing power for retirees that is fair relative to inflation, but also to preserve the balance of the pension system, failing which it is the pensions of future generations that will be called into question,"the rapporteur warned. According to the committee, 40% of retirees would thus be protected from inflation, versus one third in the government text.