French Lawmakers Extend Supermarket Use of Meal Vouchers Through 2026

The National Assembly voted unanimously to prolong the measure supporting purchasing power, despite opposition from restaurateurs, with Senate approval still pending.

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.