French lawmakers debate budget plan to freeze some pension increases

France’s parliament is beginning to examine the government’s social security budget plan.

The government aims to halve the system’s deficit, which is projected at €21.8 billion in 2026.

The plan would not raise next year the pensions of people receiving more than €1,265 a month, saving €4.1 billion.

It would also freeze some benefits, including family allowances and the back-to-school allowance.

Left-wing parties say the cuts fall too heavily on people with lower incomes, while the government is not doing enough to raise revenue.

Other parts of the plan would shift some health costs to private insurers and add a tax on sugary products.

More than 1,600 amendments have been filed, and lawmakers must decide on the bill by the end of November; a vote in the National Assembly chamber is due on October 20.}