French health minister supports sugar tax to reduce healthcare costs

The French Health Minister, Geneviève Darrieussecq, has expressed support for a sugar tax on processed food products as a means to address chronic diseases and addictions.

Background

The proposal for a sugar tax comes as the French government aims to save nearly 5 billion euros in healthcare costs. The intention behind the tax is to promote public health through preventive measures, rather than penalize local artisans and confectioners.

Current Situation

The Social Affairs Committee is currently revising the draft Social Security budget for 2025, considering several new taxes. These include taxes on flavored and sweetened beers and an extension of the "social security contribution" to all alcoholic beverages.

Broader Strategy

The proposed sugar tax is part of a broader strategy to combat health issues related to excessive sugar consumption. However, the future of these tax proposals remains uncertain as the committee has rejected the bill in its current form.

Controversial Measures

One controversial cost-saving measure being discussed is the reduction of the Social Security reimbursement rate for medical consultations from 70% to 60%. This could increase costs for mutual insurance companies and burden French citizens seeking healthcare.

Alternative Options

The Minister is exploring alternative options to mitigate the impact on the public and is calling for responsible actions from supplementary insurers to manage the rise in premiums.

Government's Objective

The government aims to balance budgetary constraints with the need to provide accessible healthcare for all citizens.

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