“Large distribution has made the government bend,” denounces Franck Chaumes, president of UMIH Restauration

For the hotel trades and industries, the exemption represents, according to Franck Chaumes, 600 million euros in losses.

“It’s a big disappointment”reacts Wednesday January 15 Franck Chaumes, president of the UMIH Restauration (Union of hotel trades and industries), on franceinfo, after the vote on the extension of the exemption which allows the use of restaurant vouchers to purchase food products. This possibility, granted as an exception since Covid to support purchasing power, has been extended until the end of 2026 by Parliament.

For Franck Chaumes, “large distribution has made the government bend”. He therefore calls “to reason” and invite “every political sensitivity, in the best interest of our nation, to allow this new government to continue its work.” The Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Véronique Louwagie, notably promised a reform to modernize the system quickly.

The man who is also president of the UMIH de la Gironde recalls that this system causes 600 million euros in losses each year for the catering sector.