Article
Sarah Chabane
28 w
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Climate action imperiled, why France and Europe can't afford a far-right government
On Sunday, French people will vote in the second round of a snap parliamentary election called unexpectedly by President Macron following the European Elections. The rise of the National Rally (RN), led by Jordan Bardella and Marine le Pen with its roots in neo-fascism and a platform centred on immigration and national sovereignty, casts a brown shadow on the country. After the first round, their potential dominance in the 577-seat parliament raises concerns far beyond France’s borders.
Amid debates on immigration and security, what remains absent from RN’s agenda is a clear climate policy. Climate issues are relegated to mere mentions - 14 mentions in 12 pages - overshadowed by promises of economic revival and nationalist fervour.
Let’s have a look at some of them:
The National Rally has been very vocal about reversing the ban on the sale of Combustion Engine Vehicles by 2035. A key EU measure in reducing automotive emissions and promoting electric mobility. This rollback would not only hinder France's progress but also set a dangerous precedent across the EU, potentially stalling the continent's shift towards cleaner transport solutions.
The RN promises to drastically reduce VAT on energy products—fuel, oil, gas, and electricity—from 20% to 5.5%, presenting it as a measure to boost "purchasing power." This tax cut has two major drawbacks. First, according to INSEE, it will disproportionately benefit the wealthy, who tend to travel more and consume more energy than the less affluent. Second, this €17 billion reduction encourages higher energy consumption at a time when climate change necessitates conservation. Such economic policies fundamentally undermine climate goals.
Allergic to so-called "intermittent" renewable energies such as solar and wind power, RN pledges to halt future projects and even dismantle existing facilities. This move could plunge the country into an unprecedented energy crisis, given that renewables accounted for nearly 15% of electricity production in 2023. Moreover, their carbon-free production helps avoid the emission of 22 million tons of CO2 annually, according to France’s electricity grid operator, RTE. Abandoning renewables would lead to a massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions, impossible to offset with the 20 promised nuclear reactors, the first of which won’t arrive before 2035.
The National Rally is the people's party, so why would they care about having energy-efficient housing? They plan to repeal all energy performance-related obligations, including the phased ban on renting energy-inefficient homes starting January 1st. This move, far from benefiting the less fortunate, favours, (drum roll), wealthy landlords. It leaves unaddressed the major challenges of renovating the energy-inefficient buildings, which represent 20% of the housing stock in France.
In the political landscape of modern Europe, the National Rally is not alone and the resurgence of conservative and far-right parties is a threat for climate action. The RN is very clear on its opposition to the European Green Deal which it considers "punitive ecology". The party advocates for the abolishment or substantial revision of the European Green Deal. The RN dismisses the 2050 goal for carbon neutrality in favour of national interests over collective environmental responsibilities. Maybe we could remind them that the transition could create around 1 million jobs in the EU by 2030, and 2 million by 2050.
So it’s clear that the prospect of a far-right majority in France's parliament extends beyond national borders. France, as a leading EU member state, holds substantial influence in shaping European climate policies. Drawing from the example of Giorgia Meloni's government in neighbouring Italy, which has similarly curbed environmental policies in favour of economic interests, there are alarming parallels. Meloni's administration has stalled Italy's renewable energy projects, rolled back environmental regulations, and promoted fossil fuel usage—all in the name of economic growth and national sovereignty.
A shift towards increased conservative and nationalist agendas in France could potentially weaken the EU's fragile unified stance on climate change, fragmenting efforts to meet global climate goals set by the Paris Agreement.
The legislative election represents a critical choice for France, as a people and as a country on this burning planet. The possibility of RN securing a majority in France’s Parliament is more than just a shift in political power; it threatens our collective progress against climate change. We don’t have time for one more radical right-wing party in power. The stakes are too high, and the time for climate action is now.
/ Sarah Chabane, July 4th 2024
Sources and further information:
If you speak French, watch this interview with French scientist and IPCC co-chair Valérie Masson-Delmotte:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctmjn6TLFsM
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https://www.euractiv.fr/section/energie-climat/news/le-programme-ecologique-du-rn-contrevient-largement-au-pacte-vert-europeen/
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https://reporterre.net/C-est-la-sinistrose-les-agents-de-l-environnement-redoutent-une-victoire-du-RN
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https://vert.eco/articles/le-rassemblement-national-devoile-son-programme-lecologie-aux-abois?mc_cid=7775fb2a74
The European Green Deal in the face of rising radical right-wing populism - Institut Jacques Delors
https://institutdelors.eu/en/publications/the-european-green-deal-in-the-face-of-rising-radical-right-wing-populism/
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https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2024/06/28/le-rn-et-l-ecologie-sont-incompatibles_6245018_3232.html
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https://vert.eco/articles/cecile-alduy-specialiste-du-langage-pour-le-rn-lecologie-constitue-un-theme-repoussoir?mc_cid=7775fb2a74
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Ahead of French elections, vitriol and innuendo from National Rally candidates amplify doubts about how much the party of Marine Le Pen has truly evolved.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/28/france-far-right-antisemitism-racism-le-pen/
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