Controversial proposal to fight inflation by the French minister

French Trade Minister Olivia Gregoire suggested that French families tackle inflation by abandoning ready-made meals and preparing their own meals.

Olivia Grégoire has called for cooking classes in schools to improve health and family finances through what she calls “granny training” in the face of the cost of living crisis.

While annual inflation in France was announced in August at 4.9 percent, food inflation was 11.2 percent annually.

SUGGESTED ‘COOKING LESSON’

Grégoire, who made a suggestion about food inflation after it was announced that food inflation was much higher than the general inflation rate, said: “We need to relearn how to cook raw products to avoid buying ready-made meals masks. “Cooking classes should go back to schools,” he said.

French newspaper Le Figaro quoted Philippe Brochard, CEO of supermarket chain Auchan, as saying that “the first bulwark against inflation is the ability to peel vegetables.”

THE SURVEY RESULTS DESTROY THE MINISTER’S THESIS

Recent surveys show that most French families still cook fresh produce regularly, but younger generations have a growing appetite for fast food and home delivery.

Although the French often complain about the country’s declining passion for gastronomy, a survey published in 2020 revealed that 67 percent of families prepare their own meals every day. According to the survey, 42 percent of families cook fresh vegetables and fruits every day, and 32 percent cook fresh vegetables and fruits every other day.

THE CRITICAL OPPOSITION WITH HARD WORDS

Following his proposals, Grégoire became the subject of online ridicule and criticism from his opponents.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the Indomitable France Party, criticized the proposal, citing Marie Antoinette’s words “If there is no bread, eat cake” during food shortages before the French Revolution.

“If people skip meals, it’s not because they don’t know how to cook, it’s because they have nothing to cook,” France Unbowed MP Anne Stambach tweeted.

Grégoire dismissed the criticism, saying they sent a message of common sense that was good not only in times of inflation, but also for health and wallets.