French Assembly rejects sugar tax proposal

The French Assembly rejected a proposed sugar product tax on October 22 by a vote of 86 to 58. The tax aimed to target highly sugary packaged foods such as biscuits, industrial cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, ice cream, and confections.

Tax intended to combat sugar-related health issues

The government had introduced the tax as a key measure to address chronic diseases linked to high sugar consumption. It was expected to generate around 300 million euros in revenue through changes in food recipes to reduce sugar content.

Opposition from right-wing and centrist groups

The rejection was largely driven by opposition from the Republicans, the National Rally, and their Ciotist allies, who voted to remove the tax from the budget. These groups argued against the measure, citing concerns about consumer choice and economic impact.

Support from left-wing and some centrist parties

The MoDem, France Unbowed, socialists, ecologists, and some deputies supported keeping the tax. Even within the presidential majority, divisions emerged between Renaissance and Horizons, showing uncertainty about the proposal’s effectiveness and political feasibility.

Tax could still be considered in the Senate

Although the Assembly rejected the tax, the issue is not yet closed. The Social Security budget still needs to be debated in the Senate, where the tax could be reintroduced in a similar or modified form. This leaves the future of the measure uncertain and open to further discussion.