Paris: The French Senate rejected on Friday the 2026 Social Security budget bill, which had been narrowly approved by the National Assembly. The Senate, composed primarily of right-wing and centrist senators, dismissed the bill through a "preliminary question" - a procedural move allowing rejection before delving into the bill's specifics.

According to Anadolu Agency, the bill is now set to return to the National Assembly for a final reading on Tuesday, where the conclusive decision will be taken. The Senate had previously expressed differing views on the Social Security budget compared to the lower house, particularly opposing the suspension of pension reform.

Last week, the National Assembly voted in favor of suspending the nation's contentious pension reform, following the Senate's rejection of the measure. On Tuesday, the National Assembly narrowly passed the Social Security budget bill with a vote tally of 247-234, alongside 93 abstentions.