Failure of Macron Government's Attempt to Encourage Alcohol-Free January in France

France's President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism for not supporting the alcohol-free "Dry January" campaign. Around 50 addiction specialists wrote an open letter expressing their disappointment over the government's lack of support for the post-festivity initiative. The doctors stated that their confidence in the government's commitment to combating alcoholism has been greatly compromised. Dry January, which was introduced to France in 2020, has become a popular event, even without significant government backing. Several ministers distanced themselves from the campaign, preferring to promote moderation rather than complete abstinence. Marc Fesneau, the agriculture minister, argued that the decline in alcohol consumption in France makes Dry January irrelevant and unnecessary. Critics argue that the government, following President Macron's lead, prioritizes avoiding offense to the wine lobby over promoting public health. Supporters of Dry January note that France remains the fourth largest consumer of alcohol in Europe, and alcohol is responsible for over 40,000 deaths in the country annually. They believe that with government support, the campaign could reach a much larger audience. There are allegations that President Macron personally discouraged support for Dry January, which are supported by his past endorsements of alcohol. Critics claim that his public consumption of alcohol is both a rational decision to support the wine industry, which generates significant revenue, and a means to counter accusations of being disconnected from the people.