The French senate approved tax hikes on tobacco products, reports The Connexion.
With the measure, lawmakers want to raise funds for France’s social security budget, which faces a deficit of €16 billion next year, and reduce the strain on healthcare services by discouraging smoking.
The tax increases will see the average price of a packet of cigarettes increase to €12.70 in 2025, €0.40 more than envisaged in an anti-tobacco plan outlined by the previous government last year.
The measure is expected to raise around €200 million per year. The government wants a pack of cigarettes to cost €13 by 2027.
Lawmakers are also considering tax increases for nicotine pouches, nicotine sachets and oral gum/beads, although the health minister is looking to ban some of these products.
The increased taxes should be in place until the products are banned.