Vänsterpartiet proposes a new authority to enforce price reductions in line with a planned VAT cut, aiming to prevent food giants from covertly raising prices. The party criticizes the government's current measures as ineffective and calls for stricter regulations to protect consumers.
Vänsterpartiet Demands Business Ban for Food Giants Not Lowering Prices
Vänsterpartiet Demands Business Ban for Food Giants Not Lowering Prices
Vänsterpartiet is calling for a business ban on food giants that fail to lower food prices, proposing a new authority to target offenders.
– It must not become a Black Friday where food giants secretly raise prices until April when the VAT reduction comes, says Nooshi Dadgostar.
In the shadow of the government's autumn budget presentation, Vänsterpartiet held a press conference to unveil its new proposal – a new price information law and a new authority – the State Price and Cartel Board.
The authority's task will be to ensure that consumer prices are actually reduced by the same level as the food VAT – at least 5.4 percent.
– It is important that the government does not waste taxpayers' money, says Ida Gabrielsson, economic policy spokesperson.
The large market concentration is problematic, according to Vänsterpartiet, which believes the government's food price commission is toothless. Tougher measures are needed, they argue.
– A food price commission that is just a discussion club is not enough. The food giants have proven during this mandate period that shame is not something they care about, says Nooshi Dadgostar.
Must Not Become a New Black Friday
With new legislation, a price information law where food giants are forced to provide reference prices on all food items, with the breakpoint on September 4, 2025, when the reduced food VAT is presented, stealth price increases should be avoided.
– It must not become a Black Friday where food giants secretly raise prices until April when the VAT reduction comes. And then they lower them a little and claim they have reduced food prices, says Nooshi Dadgostar.
– Therefore, we want a very sharp price information law, which requires food giants to state the price.
The new authority will ensure that price reductions are followed. Otherwise, there will be sanctions. Primarily fines, ultimately – a business ban.
– This is not a contribution to ICA's balance sheet, but it must go out to the customer. We want to stop a stealth increase. Because then you have deceived the customers, deceived the taxpayers.