2024-11-20 21:58:00
For two years it has become a boost to the French budget. The National Assembly on Wednesday urgently adopted the extension until the end of 2026 of a derogation which allows the use of restaurant vouchers to purchase all food products, an aid to the purchasing power of workers regretted by the restaurateurs.
This exemption – permitted by law in 2022 following Covid – had already been extended for one year in December 2023 due to still high inflation.
It was to end on December 31, but the vote of the Assembly (75 for, 0 against) extended it for two additional years. An adoption which must still be confirmed by a vote in the Senate.
With this vote, “it is a question of avoiding any unpleasant surprises for our fellow citizens when they go shopping at the supermarket on January 2,” underlined in her introductory remarks the Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs Laurence Garnier, who has committed to starting discussions on a reform of meal vouchers from 2025.
The system allows some 5.4 million employees in France to use their “restaurant vouchers” to purchase non-consumable products on the shelves that need to be prepared (flour, pasta, rice, meat, etc.).
The initial version of the text, as arrived in committee, provided for an extension of one year, but the deputies in this context adopted an amendment from the EPR deputy Olivia Grégoire perpetuating the measure.
The vote in the hemicycle on Wednesday was the subject of a broad consensus after the adoption of several identical amendments carried by deputies from the socialist groups, GDR, MoDem and Liot, in favor of a two-year extension.
“If the measure appears to be a patch on a crisis which requires measures of another order”, it is “support for the purchasing power of households who benefit from meal vouchers”, argued the socialist deputy Karim Benbrahim during the debates.
The EPR group rallied in session to this two-year extension, the Macronist MP Françoise Buffet seeing in this measure not only an aid to purchasing power, but also a response “to an evolution of uses”, linked in particular to the development of teleworking.
The LRs for their part pleaded for an extension of only one year, to protect restaurateurs from a greater loss of market share in the face of mass distribution.
The debates in the hemicycle were an opportunity for the different groups to plead in favor of an “indispensable” reform of meal vouchers, created in 1967.
Everyone has their own proposals: acceleration of dematerialization, reduction in commissions applied to merchants, leverage for healthy and sustainable food, opening of the measure to students, increase in competition between issuers, etc.
1732153079
#Assembly #votes #extend #restaurant #vouchers #food #shopping
How do the changes to restaurant vouchers impact both employees and restaurateurs in the country?
**Interview with Laurence Garnier, Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs**
**Host:** Welcome, Ms. Garnier, and thank you for joining us today. Recently, the National Assembly voted to extend the use of restaurant vouchers for purchasing food products until the end of 2026. Could you elaborate on the main reasons behind this decision?
**Laurence Garnier:** Thank you for having me. The key reason for extending the use of restaurant vouchers is to support the purchasing power of French workers facing ongoing inflation challenges. We understand that many families are struggling with rising costs, and this measure aims to ease that burden by allowing easier access to essential food items. This exemption was put in place initially during the pandemic, and given the current economic climate, it was crucial to extend it further.
**Host:** How does this extension impact employees and restaurateurs in France?
**Laurence Garnier:** This extension benefits approximately 5.4 million employees who can now utilize their restaurant vouchers to buy not just meals, but also food products that require preparation, like flour, pasta, and meat. On the flip side, we recognize that some restaurateurs may feel disadvantaged by this move as it could divert customers away from dining establishments. We are aware of these concerns and are committed to engaging with industry representatives to find a balanced approach that satisfies all parties involved.
**Host:** You mentioned the intention to start discussions on reforming meal vouchers in 2025. What kind of changes can we expect to be discussed?
**Laurence Garnier:** The goal is to create a meal voucher system that better aligns with the needs of both employees and businesses. We want to listen to the feedback from all stakeholders to ensure that the system is sustainable and beneficial across the board. While specifics are still in discussion, we aim to address the criticisms and explore additional uses or adjustments that could enhance the effectiveness of these vouchers.
**Host:** The recent vote passed overwhelmingly—75 votes in favor and none against. What does that say about the political will to support this initiative?
**Laurence Garnier:** The unanimous support is a testament to the importance of protecting the purchasing power of our citizens. It reflects a broad consensus across the political spectrum about the need for pragmatic solutions to economic challenges. This kind of solidarity in the Assembly sends a powerful message about prioritizing the well-being of our people, especially during tough financial times.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Ms. Garnier. It’s clear that the government is taking steps to support its citizens in these challenging times.
**Laurence Garnier:** Thank you for having me. We will continue to work towards solutions that benefit all French citizens and ensure their well-being.
—
This interview highlights the recent political developments regarding restaurant vouchers in France and addresses both the implications for employees and the concerns from the restaurant sector.
