Roland Lescure, m.Minister Delegate to the Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, in charge of Industry, was the guest of the 8:30 am franceinfoMonday 17 October 2022. Blocking of refineries, energy prices, electric cars… He answered questions from Marc Fauvelle and Salhia Brakhlia.
Blocking of refineries: requisitions, “we will continue to do so”
Roland Lescure repeats what the Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, said on Sunday October 16 on the requisitions in the event of blocking of refineries: “We will continue to do so”he said. “It’s a hassle today to look for gasoline. It’s true for those who plan to go on vacation, it’s bound to be a little difficult to find it. But in any case, we will do everything so that it gradually improves in the days to come”he hopes.
CGT strike: “We are crossing limits”
“The movement which opposes a majority agreement signed by trade unions within the framework of a negotiation with a management, I think that we are crossing limits that should not be crossed”, says Roland Lescure. While the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire accuses on BFMTV the CGT of being in an attitude “illegitimate”Roland Lescure brings more nuances on franceinfo, saying that the union is well “legit”. The management of Total has agreed to a salary increase of 5 to 7% with the majority unions.
Energy prices: “350 companies” have “significant difficulties”
Businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with soaring energy prices: “It’s about 350 companies today that are really facing significant difficulties due to the energy crisis. It’s a bit the tip of the iceberg”according to him. “This period is difficult. We have to stick together to support our industry. I don’t need lessons. Today, I need unity around French industry”he says.
Strike in nuclear power plants: “It’s really not the time”
The unions have started a strike in the nuclear power plants. In some, the strikers have begun to lower the electrical load supplied. “Today is really not the time”reacts Roland Lescure. “I am faced with companies that pay far too much for their electricity or gas. It will not improve the situation. Again, solidarity, responsibility, collective. Are we able together to tell ourselves that the winter is difficult, that war is at Europe’s doorstep, that energy is beating all records and that the French economy must be helped to get through the winter?” “The priority of priorities is that French industry continues to operate. This is essential because behind French industry, there are obviously jobs. There is income.”
1 million electric cars before 2027, “it’s ambitious, but it’s realistic”
Roland Lescure ensures that the desire of the President of the Republic to produce one million electric cars before the end of the five-year term is “ambitious”but “realistic”. “For that, the manufacturers have to help us, that’s good, we help them too”he said. “We have to produce these electric vehicles that are the meaning of history”, he says. Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday October 16 in The echoes several measures to help the French to buy electric cars. The purchase premium will go from 6,000 euros to 7,000 euros. “We will accompany” too “European manufacturers, and particularly French manufacturers who produce in France”.
Regarding the rental of electric cars at 100 euros per month, a promise from Emmanuel Macron: “We are going to do everything so that they are essentially European cars”, says Roland Lescure. For the price, “we are in the process of finalizing this”he said.
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