2024-10-28 13:00:00
Presentation of the 2025 Social Security finance bill by the Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq (at the microphone), in Paris, October 10, 2024. JULIEN MUGUET FOR “LE MONDE”
Again. A week after the arrival of the “revenue” part of the budget in the Chamber, it is the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) for the year 2025 that the deputies were to begin to examine, Monday 28 october. And the government finds itself in more or less the same situation. In a unanimous vote, the Social Affairs Committee, made up of deputies from all sides, in fact rejected the PLFSS on Friday October 25.
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The passage of the text in committee was an opportunity for elected officials to show their fierce opposition to the government’s project. The debates therefore promise to be heated in the Hemicycle, and the use of article 49.3 of the Constitution to have the “Secu” budget adopted without a vote appears very likely. On Monday, the deputies will start from the initial version of the text. In the entourage of the budget minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, we assure that we remain ” determined “ to reduce the deficit, despite debates in committee “not up to the challenge of restoring our public finances”.
Many provisions of the text have been amended. Thus, among the avenues which should give rise to fierce debates are reductions in employer contributions. Inspired by the report on the subject submitted Thursday October 3 by the two economists Antoine Bozio and Etienne Wasmer, the government plans to modify this system in order to encourage employers to increase wages. The disavowal is all the stronger for the executive as it came from the central bloc.
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In an alliance with the National Rally (RN), elected officials from the Ensemble pour la République and Republican Right groups deleted the article in committee. A measure supposed to bring in 4 billion euros by attacking the system of exemptions from employer contributions. The government intends to increase these contributions by two points between 1 and 1.3 minimum wage and to stop the reductions at 3.2 minimum wage rather than the current 3.5.
“Not to the detriment of our retirees”
And “very bad signal”sent by the government, according to the Renaissance deputy of Gers, Jean-René Cazeneuve, judging that this would produce “inevitably an increase in labor costs”. Only the left voted for the article. “Here we are, on the left, partly allied with Bercy, it’s something quite exceptional”quipped the deputy (La France insoumise) for Haute-Garonne, Hadrien Clouet.
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**Interview with Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Darrieussecq. Let’s start with the recently rejected Social Security financing bill for 2025. What were the main reasons behind the unanimous vote against the PLFSS in the Social Affairs Committee?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. The rejection reflects a range of concerns from deputies across the political spectrum. Many expressed apprehension about how the proposed measures would impact public healthcare and social services. There is a strong feeling among elected officials that we need to prioritize the needs of our citizens, rather than simply focusing on deficit reduction.
**Interviewer:** Even with this rejection, you mentioned that the government remains determined to reduce the deficit. How do you plan to reconcile these competing priorities?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** It’s essential to strike a balance. While we do need to address our public finances, we also need to ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare. This upcoming debate will provide an opportunity to discuss potential amendments that can satisfy both fiscal responsibility and the health of our population.
**Interviewer:** The government is considering invoking article 49.3 to pass the budget without a vote. What would that mean for the legislative process and for the relationship with the opposition?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Invoking article 49.3 is always a last resort. It allows the government to implement certain measures more swiftly, particularly when facing gridlock in Parliament. However, it’s clear that engaging in meaningful dialogue with the opposition is crucial, even when we take this route. We must work together to address the concerns of all parties involved.
**Interviewer:** The amendments to the bill, especially regarding reductions in employer contributions, have sparked significant debate. What can you tell us about the rationale behind these changes?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** The aim is to create a fairer system that encourages job creation while also ensuring that Social Security remains sustainable in the long term. Reducing employer contributions is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens on businesses, which can help stimulate the economy. However, we are committed to evaluating the impact of these changes thoroughly.
**Interviewer:** With the debates promising to be heated in the Hemicycle, what message do you want to send to the deputies as discussions unfold?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** I want to emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue. We are all here to serve the public, and that should unite us. I hope that legislators can mindfully engage with each other and consider the broader implications of their decisions on the Social Security system and our citizens’ wellbeing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Darrieussecq. Your insights into this critical issue are appreciated, and we look forward to following the developments in the coming days.
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. It’s a vital discussion that impacts everyone, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our perspective.
