government resumes soda tax hike

After the unfinished examination of the Social Security budget in the National Assemblythe government has decided to keep several amendments in the version it is about to send to the Senate, including the increase in the tax on sweetened drinks, Matignon announced on Thursday. A cocktail of amendments, with a dose of soda. After two days of negotiations between the ministries concerned (Bercy, Labor, Health) and the parliamentary groups, the executive is pleased to have “found solutions to enrich the bill as widely as possible”. its Social Security Financing Bill.

In the absence of a vote in the Assembly within the allotted time, the government has gone back to its original copy, supplemented by amendments of its choice from among those adopted by the deputies. Starting with this reform of the “soda taxThis measure, which he had already supported during Monday’s session, will reduce the tax on low-sugar drinks (less than 5 grams per 100 ml) and increase it considerably for other beverages. According to Matignon, this measure, voted for by the left, with the support of part of the right and center, should make it possible to “amplify the preventive shift”.Other amendments include the vaccination of schoolchildren against meningitis, and the coverage of one dental consultation per year for children. The government’s main focus is on healthcare, with several initiatives from its majority in favor of direct access to physiotherapists and psychologists, but also to encourage doctors to combine work and retirement, and to regulate the walk-in medical centers that have sprung up in recent years.

PLFSS to be sent to the Senate on Friday

Nothing at this stage, however, on the sensitive subject of employer contributions. The article aimed at saving four billion euros on exemptions granted to companies, rejected by the Assembly, will return to the Senate. “in its original version”.emphasized Matignon, without commenting on possible concessions because “discussions are continuing”. behind the scenes. The same goes for the freezing of retirement pensions until July, which was supposed to bring in the same amount but could not be debated for lack of time: “It is not yet possible to answer this question”.dodged a question from Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s entourage.

On the other hand, the government rejected a number of amendments, including a new tax on “added sugars in industrial foods, or a limit on excess medical fees. And he intends to re-table his own measures on the taxation of online gambling and horse betting, despite the outcry from the sector. The draft law “enriched will be “officially transmitted” to the Senate on Friday, added Matignon. The upper house will then have a fortnight from Saturday: it will examine the bill in the Chamber from November 18 to 23, with a formal vote scheduled at the Palais du Luxembourg on Tuesday 26th.

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