Tension Mounts Over Proposed Sale of Doliprane Production Site in Lisieux
The recent announcement regarding the sale of the Sanofi factory in Lisieux, which produces the widely used painkiller Doliprane, has sparked significant unrest among employees and local officials. On October 14, 2024, the Minister of the Economy, Antoine Armand, and Minister Delegate for Industry, Marc Ferracci, visited the site amidst concerns about the potential sale to the American investment fund CD&R for $15 billion. Employees, currently on strike, expressed their fears that the sale could lead to job losses and a shift in production away from France.
Local leaders, including Lisieux Mayor Sébastien Leclerc, voiced skepticism about the government's ability to negotiate effectively with a large investment fund. They are calling for immediate action, including the activation of the Montebourg decree, which would allow the government to impose strong guarantees on the sale. The ministers assured employees that they would seek robust assurances regarding job security and the future of Doliprane production in France, emphasizing the importance of maintaining industrial sovereignty in the face of foreign investment.
Government's Commitment to French Production Amidst Controversy
In response to the growing discontent, Minister Armand reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that Doliprane continues to be produced in France. He emphasized that the state would demand 'extremely strong guarantees' from Sanofi and CD&R regarding the future of the Lisieux site and its workforce. Despite reassurances from Sanofi executives that the Lisieux plant is the most competitive Doliprane production site globally, employees remain wary, recalling past instances where similar sales led to job losses and production relocations. As discussions continue, the community is left grappling with uncertainty about the future of their jobs and the production of this essential medication.
