The goal? Revise downwards the forecast Social Security deficit in 2025
This Thursday, November 21, senators voted on several so-called “behavioral” tax increases on sugary drinks, gambling but also on tobacco on the sidelines of the examination of the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2025.
Up to 35 cents more
It will now be necessary to countis 4 cents more for the least sugary drinks and up to 35 cents per liter for the sweetest. A scale much heavier than that voted by the deputies who had set these increases at 3.5 and 28 cents. An increase in the tax on sweetened drinks was also voted against the advice of the government.
Increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes
If the price of a packet of cigarettes was not to increase next year, the senators ignored the advice of the Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq. He will pass to 12.70 euros on average next year, an increase of 40 cents more. This measure should bring in 200 million euros to the State next year. The target of a package at 13 euros in 2027 has also been maintained.
Pending the ban on “pouches”, nicotine sachets in gums or rolls to be placed behind the gum, these will also be subject to a tax which will automatically become obsolete when these products are prohibited.
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Sometimes used as “means of tobacco cessation”, pouches, these sachets of tobacco to be placed against the gum, are now prohibited for sale
The price of gambling will also increase
It's another victory for the Senate which voted for the increase in taxes on lotteries, casinos and other sports betting – except horse racing – while the National Assembly opposed it.
These increases in “behavioral taxes” aim to reduce the Social Security deficit which, thanks to these measures, will increase to – 15 billion euros compared to – 16 billion initially planned. Furthermore, the new “solidarity contribution” equivalent to 7 hours of unpaid work per year and supposed to bring in 2.5 billion euros more.
