2024-11-08 15:57:00
“On May 2 we learned from the voice of the Minister Delegate in charge of Business, Tourism and Consumption” of the time, Olivia Grégoire, “that a rebound scenario for the INC had finally been chosen”write employee representatives in this document addressed to the new government team, consulted on Friday.
However, this seems “questioned”they continue. They ask the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, the Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, and the Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, Laurence Garnier, if it is possible for them to “count on the financial contribution from the State to the tune of 3.2 million euros as promised? »
“If not, considering the state of our cash flow, it is certain that the INC will not survive the year 2025”are alarmed by the representatives of the fifty people working within the public establishment based in Malakoff, in Hauts-de-Seine.
“Progressive reduction in the subsidy amount”
According to Bertrand Loiseau, a member of the CSE, the INC budget for 2025 must be presented to the CSE on Tuesday, November 19, before a board meeting scheduled for the end of the month. Lack of visibility on the aid granted by the State, particularly under the public service mission carried out by the INC, the situation of the Institute can quickly become “extremely dangerous” due to cash “which shrinks to nothing”according to Mr. Loiseau.
In March, employee representatives called for ” save “ 60 million consumersnewspaper born in 1970 and “in danger” due to insufficient investments according to them. A parliamentary report in 2022 mentioned a “gradual reduction in the amount of subsidy” to the INC between 2012 and 2020, increased from 6.3 million euros to 2.7 million euros.
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#million #consumers #state #aid #magazine #employees
**Interview: The Future of Consumer Advocacy in France**
**Host:** Welcome to our program! Today, we’re diving into some pressing concerns regarding the financial future of the National Consumer Institute (INC) in France. Joining us is Bertrand Loiseau, a member of the Staff Economic Committee (CSE) at INC. Bertrand, thank you for being here.
**Bertrand Loiseau:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s get straight to it. You mentioned in a recent communication that the INC might not survive the year 2025 without promised state funding. Can you elaborate on this?
**Bertrand Loiseau:** Certainly. As you mentioned, we are in a precarious situation regarding our finances. The state had promised a financial contribution of 3.2 million euros, which is crucial for our operations. Without this support, our current cash flow situation is dire, and we face the possibility of closing our doors.
**Host:** That’s quite alarming. You referred to a “rebound scenario” for the INC. Can you explain what that means and how it impacts your funding situation?
**Bertrand Loiseau:** The “rebound scenario” refers to the expectation that our funding would stabilize and potentially improve to allow us to continue our consumer advocacy work. However, the current discussions with the new government have left us questioning whether we can count on the promised financial contributions. Without clarity and commitment from the ministers, our future remains uncertain.
**Host:** You’ve raised concerns directly with the Prime Minister and other ministers. What response have you received so far, if any?
**Bertrand Loiseau:** So far, we haven’t received a definitive answer. We wrote to Prime Minister Michel Barnier, Minister of the Economy Antoine Armand, and Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs Laurence Garnier to seek clarity on our funding. We are urging them to recognize the essential role the INC plays in protecting consumer rights and to fulfill the financial commitments made.
**Host:** If the funding doesn’t come through, what would be the immediate consequences for consumers and your organization?
**Bertrand Loiseau:** If we can’t secure the necessary funds, it would drastically limit our ability to carry out important audits, studies, and advocacy work that protects consumers in France. The loss of the INC would mean fewer checks on market practices, which could lead to consumer rights being undermined.
**Host:** Given this situation, what steps can consumers and supporters take to help the INC?
**Bertrand Loiseau:** We encourage consumers to voice their concerns and support our efforts. Engaging with their local representatives and raising awareness about the importance of consumer advocacy would be vital. The public must understand that a strong consumer protection agency is essential for maintaining fair market practices.
**Host:** Thank you, Bertrand, for shedding light on these critical issues facing the INC and consumer protection in France. We hope for a favorable resolution.
**Bertrand Loiseau:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going to ensure consumer voices are heard.
