The debates on the 2025 Social Security budget begin this Monday, October 28 in the hemicycle. But last week, in the Social Affairs Committee, the deputies had the opportunity to largely rewrite the text of the bill. Among the proposed modifications, there is one measure which has attracted unanimity: the introduction of a tax on processed products with a high sugar content.
The proposal is strongly supported by Geneviève Darrieussecq. In an interview given to La Tribune Sundaythe Minister of Health said “favorable to taxes on sugars”. Behind this measure, which aims to generate tax revenue, another objective is pursued: to fight against the multiple pathologies caused by excessive sugar consumption. These range from type 2 diabetes to cancers and obesity.
“A real public health subject”
Heard by senators on October 24, the Minister of Health considered that overconsumption of sugar was a “real public health issue, which poisons us”. His thinking was undoubtedly nourished by the latest publications on the subject. In September, a report from Public Health France demonstrated that obesity and overweight had increased significantly in twenty years. In 2023, nearly one in two adults reported being overweight. In addition, the Asterès research firm estimated the annual cost of treating obesity through health insurance at 11 million euros.
The idea, which is flourishing, is also defended by the Montaigne Institute. In a report unveiled on October 16, the liberal think tank recommends a tax targeting manufacturers who do not reduce the sugar levels in their recipes. “The tax stick is still a marker that works to change behavior”then justified Marie-Pierre de Bailliencourt, general director of the Montaigne Institute.
Same story with Geneviève Darrieussecq who believes that “industrialists also have a collective responsibility”. “I would like them to find solutions to change their recipes”she continued. In committee, the deputies also voted for another tax on alcohol, in particular flavored and sweet beers but also on those with “high alcohol content”.
Industrialists step up to the plate
But if these proposals were adopted unanimously, they triggered the ire of those involved in the agri-food industry. Just after the vote on the amendments, French manufacturers of confectionery, sodas and beers were quick to react in press releases. “This surcharge discriminating against a category of products will only amplify the inflationary pressure on French families”supported the Soft Drinks Union.
The Brewers of France fear “the closure of hundreds of breweries” tant “These new taxes will definitively compromise the economic viability of players in the brewing sector present throughout the country”. The National Food Industries Association has stepped up to the plate, calling for “an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to inform him of his total opposition to any new tax on the agri-food industry”.
Faced with pressure from industry, will the government backpedal? The Minister of Health will also have to win the arbitration against her colleague in agriculture, Annie Genevard. “We must not add burdens to our companies at a time when they are fighting to defend their position on global markets”the minister said in an interview with the Agra news agency.
Geneviève Darrieussecq also assured that she would be attentive to “do not penalize small artisans and pastry chefs”. At this stage, the taxation of processed products with a high sugar content still remains very uncertain. The text of the Social Security financing bill was rejected in its entirety by the committee. The deputies will therefore work from Monday, October 28 on the initial version of the bill, proposed by the government.