In a disappointing turn of events, France’s President Emmanuel Macron has failed to lend his support to the alcohol-free “Dry January” campaign, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling alcoholism and promoting good health. This lack of government support has drawn criticism from addiction specialists as well as the public.
Dry January, which was introduced to France five years ago, has become a popular social fixture, following its success in the UK. However, despite its growing popularity, the campaign has faced indifference from the government. In an open letter to Le Monde newspaper, fifty addiction specialists expressed their disappointment and voiced their concerns. They questioned the government’s ability to implement a coherent and determined policy against alcoholism, stating that their confidence has been seriously compromised.
The decision by several ministers to distance themselves from the campaign has further fueled criticism. Instead of endorsing a month-long abstinence from alcohol, these ministers have advocated for moderation. Marc Fesneau, the agriculture minister, argued that the overall decline in French alcohol consumption over the years made the Dry January campaign irrelevant. He emphasized the importance of respecting people’s way of life and avoiding excessive government interference.
These reactions have led critics to accuse President Macron of prioritizing the interests of the wine lobby over public health. Jean-Pierre Couteron, an addictologist, highlighted the strong links between the government and the alcohol lobby, suggesting that these connections influence decision-making. Supporters of Dry January argue that France still ranks as Europe’s fourth largest consumer of alcohol, with alcohol accounting for over 40,000 deaths per year. They believe that a government-backed campaign would have a significantly greater reach than the 16,000 participants in 2023.
Claims that President Macron personally discouraged support for Dry January are supported by his past public endorsements of alcohol. In 2022, he was named Personality of the Year by the Review of French Wines magazine after publicly revealing that he drank wine twice a day. Moreover, a video of him consuming a bottle of Corona beer in one go during a rugby match sparked accusations that he was encouraging binge drinking. These incidents, along with his championing of French winemakers, suggest a close relationship between the president and the alcohol industry.
The economic significance of the wine industry, which generates €9bn in foreign sales annually, provides a rational explanation for the president’s support for winemakers. However, critics argue that his public displays of drinking are also aimed at portraying him as a man of the people, countering accusations of being “out-of-touch”. It is crucial to question whether the president’s decisions are driven by genuine concern for public health or political considerations.
Lack of government support for Dry January not only undermines efforts to combat alcoholism but also raises broader concerns about the government’s commitment to public health. It is essential for the Macron government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over the influence of the alcohol lobby. By actively promoting campaigns like Dry January, the government can demonstrate its determination to address alcohol-related issues and improve public health outcomes in France.
