The subject is politically sensitive in times of inflation and reduced purchasing power. Several parliamentarians and a number of users have expressed concern in recent days about the restrictions on the use of meal vouchers which were to come into effect from January 1, 2024.
Since August 2022, the use of meal vouchers has been extended to all food products, even if they are not directly consumable without cooking or preparation (flour, pasta, rice, eggs, fish, meat, etc.). But this exemption was initially scheduled to end on January 1, 2024.
The growing controversy forced the government to react. Tuesday afternoon, before the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, said he was “favorable” to an extension beyond 2023 of the possibility of using meal vouchers to buy all food products.
“A measure of common sense”
“Is it simple to do?” asked Bruno Le Maire about a possible extension of the exemption. “No, because we need a legislative provision,” he noted. “We are currently studying the legislative possibilities which would make it possible to extend this right of use beyond December 31, 2023,” he continued. “As I speak to you, I do not have the legislative solution. I am telling you very simply, but I am in favor of this extension,” insisted the number two in the government.
A few hours later, on M6, another member of the government, Olivia Grégoire, bluntly cleared the doubts: the 5 million employees benefiting from meal vouchers will always be able to buy products that are not directly consumable such as rice or vegetables. pasta until December 31, 2024.
“Good ideas must be considered and extended […] Nothing will change for the French”, declared the Minister Delegate in charge of SMEs, Commerce, Crafts and Tourism. “It is a common sense measure, useful to the French”, she added on Twitter.
Bruno Le Maire wants a “more global reflection”
Questioned this Wednesday on Europe 1 and CNEWS, Bruno Le Maire confirmed the announcement of the extension for one year of this exceptional use. “We proposed, with Olivia Grégoire, to extend the use of restaurant vouchers for the purchase of food products in stores so we are going to do it and we will do it by law because it requires a legislative provision,” said he declared.
The government has not changed its position, he assured. “We have always been in favor of this extension, quite simply because it makes life easier for the French. I do not like reversals, there is no about-face,” he stressed, indicating that it was a “decision of the Senate to stop it on December 31, 2023 and it is a decision of the government to extend it for a year”.
The minister also indicated that he was considering the perpetuation of food purchases by meal vouchers, beyond 2024. “I think that we need to open up a more global reflection: should we not use vouchers -restaurant in a more general way for the purchase of food products?” he asked himself. “Shouldn’t we even change the name ‘restaurant tickets’ which is a bit misleading?” he continued. “I am ready for us to open the discussion on the more general use of these tickets to buy food,” said Bruno Le Maire, adding that the government is “ready to initiate a profound reform” on the subject.
Until the exemption, meal vouchers were only used to pay for meals, ready meals, prepared salads, sandwiches (served on site or to take away) as well as fruit and vegetables or dairy products.