French moves to ‘Block Friday’

● Black Friday could be banned in France on the grounds that it is bad for the planet, promotes “overconsumption” and flouts strict rules on sales periods.

Elisabeth Borne, the country’s ecological transition minister, appeared to back the idea this week, warning against “frenzied consumerism” linked to the sales weekend and its negative impact on the environment.

MPs on Monday agreed to add the proposed ban to an “anti-waste” bill that will be debated in parliament early this month.

The amendment was tabled by Delphine Batho, France’s former environment minister and a Green MP, in the name of cracking down on “overconsumption”. She and other environmentally minded MPs want Black Friday advertising to be considered “aggressive commercial practices”.

Under French law these offences are punishable by a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a à300,000 (R4.8m) fine.

“Black Friday celebrates a model of consumption that is anti-ecological and antisocial,” said MP Matthieu Orphelin.

Environmental activists, including Extinction Rebellion and anti-capitalist groups, had pledged to launch a “Block Friday” operation to disrupt Friday’s online sale, which was not banned.

The Trade Council of France, an umbrella group, said it “regretted” suggestions that Black Friday was devoted to consumerism and incited people to buy products they did not need. “Using the word frenzy gives the impression that consumers are not committed and responsible citizens,” it said.

After suffering months of crippling “yellow vest” protests, the government “should rejoice rather than deplore [Black Friday] as everything that kick-starts and maintains consumption is good for commerce and thus for the French economy,” it said.

Daily Telegraph, London

Black Friday celebrates a model of consumption that is … antisocial