France started distributing food vouchers to alleviate staginflation
Blog post by Marica Micallef
The TV channel France 2 has reported that due to the high inflation, which is bringing about unprecedented high prices, several major offices of some French cities have now begun handing out food vouchers in order to support the population, especially those with low and middle income.
Inflation has been on the rise in France, with the cost of food and energy rising dramatically. Experts have warned that surging prices and weak economic growth could lead to stagflation in France.
“According to the report, citizens are being given coupons for €5, €20 and €30. To date, city administrations have reportedly spent about €37 million (around $40 million) on the issuance of coupons and certificates, as well as other measures to support the population,”[1]even though a document outlining the subsidies has not yet been adopted.
Approximately 8 million citizens will benefit from this initiative.
This is being interpreted as a kind of Universal Basic Income. This measurement brings to mind the “Nutritional Security” outlined in the Rockefeller’s document entitled ‘Reset the Table: Meeting the Moment to Transform the U.S. Food System’. France seems to be embracing such an political agenda.
[1] https://cubasi.cu/en/news/france-starts-handing-out-food-stamps-media