Overview

• The French National Assembly approved a two-year extension allowing meal vouchers to be used for all grocery items, a policy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.
• The measure, which benefits 5.4 million employees, was set to expire at the end of 2024 but will now continue until December 2026 if confirmed by the Senate.
• Supporters argue the extension addresses inflation and changing work habits, like telecommuting, while critics, including restaurateurs, highlight significant revenue losses in the dining sector.
• Restaurateurs estimate a €576 million annual loss due to the policy, with 20 establishments reportedly closing each day as meal voucher spending shifts to supermarkets.
• The government plans to initiate a broader reform of the meal voucher system in 2025, addressing issues like digitalization, commission fees, and expanding eligibility to students.