From January 1, 2025, consumers will face a significant increase in tobacco prices. A measure which aims to reduce smoking but which provokes the anger of smokers, particularly in the Var.
Widespread increases
The price of cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco and cigars will see a notable increase. Certain brands will exceed the symbolic bar of 13 euros for the first time, such as Marlboro Red, with an increase of 50 cents. The Winston Classic, Camel Filters and Lucky Strike Red will reach 12.50 euros, recording increases ranging from 30 to 50 cents. As for the Gauloises Blondes Rouge, they will increase to 12.30 euros.
These increases also concern rolling and heating tobacco, marking a government strategy aimed at discouraging consumption in all its forms.
Uncertain but strict taxation
As the Social Security financing bill has not yet been finalized due to censorship by the Barnier government, other increases could follow during the year. If the anti-smoking plan presented in 2023 aimed for a package of 13 euros by 2027, this deadline now seems largely anticipated.
With nearly 12 million daily smokers in France and a social cost of tobacco estimated at 156 billion euros, the government is banking on a pricing policy to reduce the 75,000 annual deaths linked to smoking.
The discontent of the Varois
In the Var, reactions are strong. In Toulon, Sophie, a nurse, denounces an unfair measure: “I understand the public health objective, but we are once again taxing the working classes who have few other escape routes. » In Fréjus, Paul, an occasional smoker, considers this increase as a punitive strategy: “These increases will not make real smokers stop, they will only increase their costs. »
For many, these increases are not accompanied by sufficient solutions to support smokers in effective cessation. “Where are the cessation support campaigns or aid for nicotine substitutes? » asks Claire, a trader from Draguignan.
A controversial public health issue
If the authorities justify these increases by the need to reduce tobacco-related deaths, they also fuel a feeling of injustice among consumers. The debate around these increases highlights the difficulty of reconciling public health objectives and social acceptability of the measures taken.
