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French tobacco retailers taxation protests

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2026-09-08 10:32 UTC → 2026-09-11 07:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

French tobacco retailers initiated a national mobilization from September 7 to 11, 2026, to protest high taxation, insecurity, and the expansion of the parallel tobacco market. Organized by the Confédération des buralistes, the movement includes regional gatherings in locations such as Muret, Redon, Givors, Saverne, and Salon-de-Provence, with a national rally planned ~~for Vernon.~~ in Vernon, Eure. Retailers are demanding a moratorium on tobacco taxation and an end to indexing cigarette prices to inflation. Industry representatives, including Lysel Garnier, noted that sales volumes have halved over the last decade and more than 8,400 establishments have closed in France over the past 20 years. Confédération President Serdar Kaya stated that the movement aims to demonstrate that professionals “will not be silenced,” warning that the economic situation is becoming increasingly precarious as official sales continue to decline. Protesters argue that current fiscal policies drive consumers toward illegal smuggling networks; for instance, in Corsica, sales have dropped significantly following price alignments with mainland France, while contraband from Sardinia and Eastern Europe has increased. Retailers contend that increasing taxes to compensate for falling revenues inadvertently benefits criminal organizations. The movement has gained political support from Marine Le Pen, who advocated for freezing taxes to protect local social life. ~~Confédération President Serdar Kaya warned that the economic situation for retailers is becoming increasingly precarious as official sales continue to decline.~~

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