A new tax could soon be created and affect all French people, regardless of their income.
Every day there is a new proposal to bring more money into the state coffers. Tax increases, tax increases, elimination of a public holiday, free work… Ideas are flourishing to straighten out public accounts. However, in the midst of this Lépine competition of tax suggestions, one had never really emerged. It finally arrived on the table.
In order to increase social security revenue to finance the services for which it is responsible, it has been proposed to increase the price of tobacco from 2025. In a few weeks, smokers could therefore see the bill increase at the tobacconist, even though prices have continued to soar for years. In ten years, the amount of the package has almost doubled, going from €7 to €12.50 for Marlboro Red, the best-selling in France.
From 1er March 2025, these prices could increase by 50 cents. Packages could therefore be displayed at 13 euros. It will not be a question of enriching tobacconists or tobacco manufacturers but of paying more money to the State. In fact, this increase would result from the creation of a surcharge on the tax on cigarettes called “excise”. The latter would be increased by 6%, therefore representing around 50 cents on the final price.
This proposal comes from the Senate and, more precisely, from UDI senator Élisabeth Doineau. In reality, this is about accelerating the rise in price since a gradual increase to 13 euros was planned for 2026. This could finally happen as early as next year. At the rate of two packs per week, the annual bill would increase by around 50 euros for a smoker.
However, this increase has not yet been definitively recorded. The Senate must first decide and then, if it votes “for”, it will be up to the government to decide whether or not it wishes to maintain this increase in taxation. In mid-October, the Minister of Public Accounts promised that there would be no increase in the price of tobacco in 2025. Will he change his mind? An agreement with the deputies should also be found. In short, still a long way before the final decision…