Ecology and public finances, a double “sword of Damocles” for Michel Barnier

The Prime Minister spoke about ecological issues from the start of his speech. But he could reconsider certain measures, notably the development of wind power and the “zero net artificialization” objective by 2050.

Ecology featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s general policy declaration to the National Assembly. Michel Barnier spoke about it before immigration, before security and before international politics. It is even the first of its “requirements”.

In his speech, the Prime Minister places ecology on the same level as the state of public finances: two “Swords of Damocles” above France, said the Prime Minister. “I will tell the truth about the reality of our public accounts and the reality of the impact of our way of life on the environment. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”he promises, taking up a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

“We must do more to fight climate change”adds Michel Barnier, who lists major directions: preventing risks, preserving biodiversity, encouraging the circular economy, decarbonizing factories, encouraging innovation, continuing the development of nuclear power. He also promises to relaunch the texts which will frame France’s environmental policy: the energy-climate strategy, the national plan for adaptation to climate change and the new multi-annual energy programming.

For the details, we will still have to wait. The first more concrete ideas could be presented in the 2025 draft budget. Let us remember one announcement: a “major national water conference” in the coming months, devoted to droughts, floods or conflicts over water sharing.

The left-wing opposition and certain environmental associations are already worried about future environmental setbacks. They particularly fear that Michel Barnier will not defend the development of wind power, because he had already stated in recent years that he was not convinced by this solution.

“We are also going to act on the energy supply, by continuing the development of renewable energies, by measuring better in certain cases – I’m thinking of wind turbines – all their impacts”explains the Prime Minister. It therefore remains to be seen whether it will maintain the objective of 50 offshore wind farms by 2050.

The Prime Minister also wants to review the DPE (energy performance diagnosis), this rating given to each home according to its consumption or insulation. Michel Barnier wants to simplify the system and “adjust the calendar”. For the moment, it is planned to prohibit the rental of G-rated accommodation (thermal strainers) from January 1st.

Another announcement, during his speech: Michel Barnier intends to return to the “ZAN”, the objective of “zero net artificialization” by 2050 which aimed to limit urban sprawl to protect biodiversity. He prefers to defend the idea of ​​reviving the construction sector: “To build, you need land. We must develop the ‘zero net artificialization’ regulations in a pragmatic and differentiated manner to meet the essential needs of industry and housing.”