Megabasins, highway projects, ecological planning… In the program of the New Popular Front, expected measures on the environment

Representatives of the New Popular Front met at midday on Friday to detail their program for the legislative elections. The left is expected to turn the corner regarding ecological measures.

The Union of the Left presented on Friday June 14 its program for the legislative elections of June 30 and July 7. In terms of the environment, “emergency” actions were presented, to be implemented within the first 15 days in the event of coming to power.

Two particularly symbolic measures were put forward: a moratorium on megabasins, the most famous of which, that of Sainte-Soline, is still under construction. And another moratorium, on major motorway projects, including the A69 between Toulouse and Castres. On this point, rebels and environmentalists are winning their case, some socialists are defending the project including the president of the Occitanie region, Carole Delga.

Then would come in the “100 days” an energy law to include the bases of ecological planning and the “green rule” dear to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, understand: “Do not take more from nature than it can replenish.”

A big absence in this program: the future of nuclear power. Should we get out of it, as the rebels and environmentalists want, or should we continue, as the communists and socialists want? The subject is avoided.

On the other hand, other proposals, more consensual on the left, are part of the program presented on Friday: more help to insulate homes, the ban on all PFAS (eternal pollutants), the ban on neonicotinoids, pesticides nicknamed “bee killers”. The union of the left also proposes the creation of a differentiated water tariff, with the aim of making the largest consumers pay more.

This program has already obtained the support of several environmental associations, such as Greenpeace. Its president Jean-François Julliard, who came personally to the podium to support and prevent the union of the left, declared: “When we looked at the Popular Front program, we said to ourselves that there was a series of ambitious measures capable of responding to the challenges of the transformations of our society.” Jean-François Julliard assures that he will be there to ensure that all the announcements will really be implemented. The message is accompanied by a call to block the far right.

“Jordan Bardella Prime Minister, this is the worst-case scenario. The National Rally believes that the IPCC exaggerates in its recommendations. They are clearly flirting with climate skepticism. “

Jean-François Julliard, president of Greenpeace

during the presentation of the program

This position is shared by many NGOs, such as Bloom, specialist in ocean defense, Reclaim Finance for “finance serving the climate”or even Zéro Waste France which fights to reduce waste.

In a forum, these organizations call for support for the Popular Front, according to them, “the only option for a dignified future”. They are also called to join the rallies initiated by the unions this weekend.