2024-11-06 04:00:00
Yannick Neuder (Les Républicains), general rapporteur of the Social Security budget, Frédéric Valletoux (Horizons), president of the Social Affairs Committee, and Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health, during the examination in public session of the draft social security financing law for 2025, at the National Assembly, in Paris, November 4, 2024. XOSE BOUZAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
The ax fell on the National Assembly at midnight. This time, the famous article 49 paragraph 3 of the Constitution is not at issue in the sudden end of discussions at the Palais-Bourbon, Wednesday November 6, on the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2025.
On the night of Tuesday 5 to Wednesday 6 November, another provision of the Basic Law was invoked before the national representation by the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Nathalie Delattre, to cut short the discussions of the deputies on the Social Security budget. “The period of twenty days provided for by article 47 paragraph 1 of the Constitution, within which the National Assembly must decide on first reading, after the tabling of the bill, expires this evening, she argued. (…) We cannot accept [le] extend without reducing the examination time that the Senate must have for the PLFSS and without endangering the examination of the finance bill for 2025 »she continued, to boos from the left and the din of desk slamming even on the benches of the far right.
From now on, the government’s text must be transmitted to the Senate in its initial version, while the National Assembly was unable to examine it in its entirety, nor adopt it at first reading. An unprecedented situation under the Fifth Republic.
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The Minister of Relations with Parliament, however, clarified that the government would retain “a number of amendments” voted by the deputies after a consultation carried out with the president (Horizons) of the social affairs committee, Fréderic Valletoux, the general rapporteur (Les Républicains, LR) of the Social Security budget, Yannick Neuder, and the various parliamentary groups.
The deputies failed to complete the examination of the entire bill, while a little more than 400 amendments remained to be examined on the expenditure part of the Social Security budget. “It is still an observation of major collective failure. It’s up to us to question our way of working, if we really want to take action and influence the budgets of this year and those to come”anticipated, a few hours earlier, the elected official (ex-Renaissance, not registered) of Maine-et-Loire Stella Dupont.
Discussions got bogged down
As the debates were coming to an end on the reimbursement of thermal cures, the deputy (National Rally, RN) for the Somme Jean-Philippe Tanguy exclaimed: “But what a shame! »addressing the elected representatives of the coalition. “There are 14 million retirees waiting to know what the National Assembly thinks about freezing their pensions. (…) And we spent ten minutes on a bogus amendment”he shouted.
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**Interview with Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Darrieussecq. We witnessed a rather abrupt end to the discussions on the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2025 in the National Assembly. Can you explain what led to this sudden conclusion?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. The decision to conclude discussions was based on the constitutional timeline outlined in Article 47 paragraph 1. We had reached the twenty-day period designated for the National Assembly to deliberate on the bill, and it was imperative we adhered to this timeline to ensure the overall budget process for 2025 remained on track.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like time constraints played a significant role. Were there specific concerns from the government about extending this timeline?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Absolutely. Extending the discussion period could have jeopardized the Senate’s ability to review the bill adequately, disrupting the entire legislative process for the finance bill. Our priority is to ensure a smooth and efficient budgetary process, which sometimes requires tough decisions.
**Interviewer:** There was noticeable unrest in the Assembly during this announcement. Can you address the opposition’s frustration and concerns regarding the bill?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** I understand the frustration of my colleagues on the left and even within the far-right benches. We are discussing critical issues that affect many citizens, and it’s essential that all voices are heard. However, we must also balance thoroughness with the legislative timeline. Our commitment remains to engage with all parties as we move forward.
**Interviewer:** With the bill now moving to the Senate in its initial version, what do you anticipate will be the next steps in this process?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** The Senate will review the bill as it stands now, and I anticipate constructive discussions. The goal is to refine the bill and ensure it addresses the needs of our healthcare system and social security framework effectively. I welcome input and feedback from senators to enhance the legislation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister, for clarifying these important points. We look forward to seeing how the senators approach this vital legislation.
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this essential issue for our country.