France's social security bill was to go to a vote in parliament Tuesday, in a key hurdle for Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu after he pledged to deliver a 2026 budget by year-end.

Lawmakers failing to back the plan, which includes the suspension of an unpopular retirement reform, could plunge the country into further political crisis and call into question Lecornu's ability to lead.

The outcome of the vote is uncertain. Socialists are expected to back it, but the right and some centrists could vote against the bill as they believe it includes too many concessions to the left.

"This social security budget bill is not perfect, but it is the best possible," Lecornu wrote on X on Saturday.

"Not having a budget would be dangerous for our social protection, our public accounts, and the role

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