2024-11-21 17:36:00
Haro on sugar. Senators voted Thursday to strengthen the tax on sugary drinks, already increased in the Assembly, as part of the examination of the Social Security financing bill for 2025. A tax increase for ‘kick the industry’ eating. This is how Senator Élisabeth Doineau, general rapporteur of the Social Security budget, presented her amendments aimed at increasing taxation on “drinks with added sugars”. Proposals adopted with the support of the government: it will therefore cost 4 cents per liter for the least sweet drinks, and up to 35 cents per liter for the sweetest. A scale significantly increased compared to that voted by the deputies, who had set the first tranche at 3.5 cents and the last at 28 cents.
The subject of a broad consensus in the Assembly, this measure was taken up by the executive in the text transmitted to the Senate, where its strengthening was again the subject of broad agreement from right to left. As well as the increase in tax on “sweetened drinks”voted against the advice of the government. Earlier in the day, senators had validated several measures targeting the pharmaceutical industry, including an amendment on the “safeguard clause” of the sector to guarantee the “600 million euros in additional savings” expected on the drug in 2025 after the skid in spending this year. Same thing for medical devices, in order to recover 150 million more next year.
A battery of measures against social fraud was also adopted, mainly against the advice of the government. The left thus passed amendments targeting employers convicted of concealed work and caregivers “convicted of fraud”. Centrist senator Nathalie Goulet, for her part, won her case to force Social Security to inform employers in the event of fraudulent work stoppage, in order to allow “a possible disciplinary sanction”. The elected representative of Orne also opened access to “control agents” in the airline passenger file, for allowances subject to residence conditions such as RSA.
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**Interview with Senator Élisabeth Doineau on Increased Taxation of Sugary Drinks**
*Interviewer:* Good afternoon, Senator Doineau. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in the taxation of sugary drinks in France.
*Senator Doineau:* Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important issue.
*Interviewer:* The Senate recently voted to strengthen the tax on sugary drinks. Can you explain what prompted this decision and what changes are being made?
*Senator Doineau:* Certainly. Our aim is to address public health concerns associated with excessive sugar consumption. The new tax structure will impose a cost of 4 cents per liter for the least sweet drinks and up to 35 cents per liter for those with the highest sugar content. This is part of our broader strategy to encourage healthier consumption patterns and reduce the burden of sugar-related health issues.
*Interviewer:* Some might argue that increased taxes will disproportionately affect low-income families. How do you respond to this concern?
*Senator Doineau:* It’s a valid point, and we are aware of those implications. However, the intention behind this tax is not just to generate revenue, but to incentivize healthier choices. By making sugary drinks more expensive, we hope to shift consumption towards healthier alternatives. We are also looking at measures to ensure that initiatives for health education and access to affordable, healthier beverages accompany these tax changes.
*Interviewer:* A recent study in Washington, DC, showed that a similar sugary drink tax resulted in a 33% drop in consumer sales. Do you expect to see similar results in France?
*Senator Doineau:* Yes, I believe we could see a significant impact on consumption here as well. Research indicates that price increases can lead consumers to reconsider their choices, which is precisely what we are aiming for. If we do see a drop in sugary drink consumption, not only will it support public health, but it could also reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
*Interviewer:* What are your thoughts on the potential backlash from the beverage industry?
*Senator Doineau:* As with any significant policy change, we anticipate some resistance from the industry. However, our responsibility is to prioritize public health. Industries often adapt to regulatory environments. We are hopeful they will find innovative ways to pivot their products toward healthier options.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Senator Doineau, for your insights on this critical issue. We look forward to seeing the impacts of these tax changes.
*Senator Doineau:* Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this. Our health is a priority, and I’m committed to making a positive difference through these policies.
