In a significant move, the French National Assembly has voted to repeal low-emission zones (Low-Emission Zones or ZFEs), a key environmental initiative established during President Emmanuel Macron's first term. The assembly passed the motion to scrap ZFEs with a majority of 98-51, following criticism that these zones disproportionately affected those who could not afford low-emission vehicles. This decision reflects growing discontent from various political factions, uniting Macron’s own party with opposition figures from both the right and far-right.
French National Assembly Abolishes Low-Emission Zones Amid Controversy
French National Assembly Abolishes Low-Emission Zones Amid Controversy
The French government faces a backlash as lawmakers vote to eliminate low-emission zones aimed at reducing urban air pollution.
The ZFEs were introduced across France in 2019, aimed at combating air pollution in cities like Paris and Lyon. Initially enforced in 15 of the most polluted areas, the zones restricted older vehicles, with a ban on cars registered before 1997. By early this year, the regulations expanded to all urban centers with populations exceeding 150,000. Proponents of scrapping the ZFEs, like Pierre Meurin of the National Rally, argued that they imposed unfair burdens on economically disadvantaged citizens.
Activist Alexandre Jardin, founder of the movement Les #Gueux (Beggars), claimed that "ecology has turned into a sport for the rich," highlighting the social inequities tied to the environmental policies. The vote indicates a complex political landscape, with diverse viewpoints emerging on the issue of environmental responsibility and accessibility.
Opposition leaders, including Marine Le Pen, labeled the zones as "no-rights zones" throughout recent campaigns. Despite the government's attempts to mitigate the backlash by easing some restrictions, a proposed amendment to retain the ZFEs in major cities like Paris was defeated resoundingly.
Public health advocates warned that dismantling these zones could reverse progress made in lowering air pollution rates. The environment minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, emphasized that air pollution leads to nearly 40,000 premature deaths annually, asserting that low-emission zones contribute significantly to reducing this figure.
As the debate continues, the abolition will go to the Senate for approval and require broader legislative advancements to become fully realized. Environmentalists and public health proponents remain vocal against this decision, calling it a dangerous step backward for France's climate goals.
Activist Alexandre Jardin, founder of the movement Les #Gueux (Beggars), claimed that "ecology has turned into a sport for the rich," highlighting the social inequities tied to the environmental policies. The vote indicates a complex political landscape, with diverse viewpoints emerging on the issue of environmental responsibility and accessibility.
Opposition leaders, including Marine Le Pen, labeled the zones as "no-rights zones" throughout recent campaigns. Despite the government's attempts to mitigate the backlash by easing some restrictions, a proposed amendment to retain the ZFEs in major cities like Paris was defeated resoundingly.
Public health advocates warned that dismantling these zones could reverse progress made in lowering air pollution rates. The environment minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, emphasized that air pollution leads to nearly 40,000 premature deaths annually, asserting that low-emission zones contribute significantly to reducing this figure.
As the debate continues, the abolition will go to the Senate for approval and require broader legislative advancements to become fully realized. Environmentalists and public health proponents remain vocal against this decision, calling it a dangerous step backward for France's climate goals.
