The National Rally, which continues to threaten to censure the government, had long been calling for such a reform

Jordan Bardella and the State Medical Assistance Reform: A Government Announcement

In a press release, Jordan Bardella called for a “drastic reduction in the budget for the AME,” reiterating his position on this controversial program.

A Request Addressed by the Government

The message seems to have been heard. In an interview with Le Figaro, Prime Minister Michel Barnier expressed his intention to “significantly” reduce the medical services covered by the State Medical Assistance (AME).

Review of Budget Developments

Initially, the 2025 budget planned an increase in the credits allocated to the AME. However, this decision has been revised, and the credits will now be frozen. Michel Barnier announced that a reform would be implemented starting next year:

“We will initiate a reform of the AME next year to prevent abuses and misuses.”

A Reform in the Making

Although the project remains somewhat vague, it is based on the report by Claude Évin and Patrick Stefanini, published last December, which has served as a foundation for reflection.

A Report on Utility and Precautions

The report highlighted the “health utility” of the AME, while also pointing out certain “limitations and risks” associated with potentially replacing it with a more restrictive emergency medical assistance program. Among the recommendations were:

• Strengthening controls;
• Revising eligibility criteria, with particular attention to family situation.

With this announcement, the government is opening a delicate debate between budgetary control and health necessity.

Michel Barnier Announces a Gesture on Electricity Taxes

In an interview with Le Figaro on Thursday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier also stated, “I have decided not to increase taxes on electricity.” While this measure aims to limit the impact on consumers, it does not mean that taxes will remain unchanged. In 2025, they will rise, but only to return to the rates “before the tariff shield,” implemented during the Covid-19 crisis. Unlike the government’s initial projections, this increase will not go beyond these levels. According to Michel Barnier, this decision will result in a 14% decrease in electricity prices, well above the initial 9% reduction that was planned.

Debate on Pensions in the National Assembly: A Race Against Time

In the National Assembly, the left is fighting to pass a proposal to repeal the highly criticized 2023 pension reform, as part of the parliamentary niche of La France Insoumise. Although the text has potential support from the National Rally, it risks not being put to a vote before the midnight deadline. Right and center-right deputies have filed hundreds of amendments to slow down the proceedings. Ugo Bernalicis, the rapporteur of the text and a member of LFI, denounced this obstruction: “Shame on you for obstructing and being stubborn.”