Rachida Dati Criticizes Amazon's Free Book Delivery Practices
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati has raised concerns over Amazon's recent practices regarding book delivery, labeling them as a "circumvention of the legislation." This statement came during her visit to the Youth Book and Press Fair in Montreuil, where she emphasized that Amazon's method of offering free shipping contradicts the legal framework established for book sales in France.
Since October 2023, a law mandates that Amazon must charge a minimum of 3 euros for any book order under 35 euros. However, Amazon has introduced a workaround that it claims complies with the law by allowing free delivery if the books are collected from designated retail locations, such as supermarkets or hypermarkets that sell books. Dati firmly stated, "I tell you: it's a circumvention of the legislation," and called for a clear response from her ministry regarding this issue.
Independent Booksellers Unite Against Amazon
The controversy has sparked a broader debate within the literary community. In a column published in Le Monde on November 21, independent booksellers and major cultural retailers expressed their concerns about Amazon's "predatory strategy." They argue that such practices undermine the competitive landscape for smaller booksellers, which are crucial for maintaining diversity in the book market.
The Youth Book and Press Fair, which is the largest event in France dedicated to children's literature, attracted 193,000 visitors in its 39th edition this year. Dati highlighted the growing popularity of youth fairs, indicating a vibrant interest in children's literature. After engaging with publishers, authors, and young readers at the fair, she reiterated the importance of protecting the book economy in France.
