MEPs reject a reform of the “soda tax” aimed toward limiting the amount of sugars in these drinks | EUROtoday

The textual content aimed to restrict the amount of sugars in sodas. The deputies rejected on Monday November 4 at first studying of the Social Security finances a reform of the “soda tax”regardless of authorities assist.

An modification by the socialist deputy Jérôme Guedj, sub-amended by the final rapporteur Yannick Neuder (LR), deliberate to reform the tax on sodas by creating three tax brackets, as an alternative of sixteen, drawing inspiration from the British mannequin. British tax “made it possible to reduce the proportion of drinks above the first threshold (5 grams per milliliter) by 40% and the total reduction in sugar intake would be estimated at 30 grams per household per week, an effect four times greater to French tax »develops the statement of reasons for the amendment.

But Mr. Guedj’s proposal was rejected by 57 votes to 46. The environmentalist, socialist, communist, MoDem and Horizons deputies voted for, while the RN, and a majority of LR as well as Ensemble pour la République voted against. Insoumise France abstained. The Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq (MoDem), had supported the amendment as did her predecessor, Frédéric Valletoux (Horizons).

The “rebels” need to go “further”

Former Minister of Consumer Affairs and EPR MP Olivia Grégoire opposed it, highlighting a doable pass-on of the tax on the value paid by the buyer. On behalf of the “rebels”, Hadrien Clouet defined that his group wished “a slightly firmer policy” And “that instead of being satisfied with taxes, part of which actually rests on the consumer (…) we are finally coming to regulate the levels authorized in the diet, the salt levels, the sugar levels, the levels of saturated fatty acids”.

At the tip of the vote, Mr. Guedj expressed his “frustration” and its ” anger “and M^me Darrieussecq mentioned to herself “upset and perplexed”. The Minister of the Budget, Laurent Saint-Martin, mentioned he was in favor of Mr. Guedj’s modification being submitted “for deliberation” within the continuation of the parliamentary shuttle.

The deputies, however, adopted an modification from the ecologist Sabrina Sebaihi, aiming to introduce a tax on added sugars in processed meals merchandise, this time with the assist of the “rebels”, and in opposition to the recommendation of the federal government.