, Dec. 9 -- France's social security budget faces a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Tuesday that could spark a political crisis and leave a €30 billion ($35 billion) shortfall for healthcare, pensions, and welfare programs.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, lacking a parliamentary majority, has secured Socialist backing by suspending President Macron's 2023 pension reform, but this move alienated centrist and conservative allies, leaving the bill's approval uncertain, reports reuters.

Lawmakers in the lower house began reviewing the legislation after 4 p.m. local time, following narrow approval of the taxation portion. Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin said she could not predict the outcome, though the government might promis...