Perrier owner scrutinised after France reportedly covered up illegal water filter treatment
Guardian2 days
French Government Concealed Nestlé's Illegal Water Treatment
Above: EAU MINERALE NATURELLE on a Perrier can in Clermont-Ferrand France on May 19 2025. Image copyright: Romain ConstasecaAFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
President Macron's administration orchestrated a deliberate cover-up of Nestle's illegal water treatments, shielding corporate malfeasance at democracy's expense. While Perrier's purity myth crumbled, Elysée Palace officials secretly negotiated with executives, bypassing the Prime Minister and regulatory frameworks — a betrayal of public trust sanctioned at the highest levels of state.
Pro-establishment narrative
President Macron forthrightly denies any collusion with Nestlé, standing firm against unsubstantiated accusations. The company's pragmatic filtration methods merely ensure consumer safety while preserving water purity, with technical nuances misinterpreted as malfeasance. This collaborative regulatory dialogue reflects responsible governance protecting both industry viability and public health standards.