French MPs vote to scrap low emission zones in major blow to Macron's net zero plans

On Wednesday evening the French National Assembly approved the abolition of the 'low emission zones' (ZBE) in several French cities, a decision supported by the Republican (LR) and National Group (RN) groups. This repeal was discussed in the context of the review of the 'simplification' bill, was adopted by 98 votes in favour and 51 against, with the support of RN, the right, LFI and some macronists. Created in 2019 and enlarged in 2021, these l…

French MPs vote to scrap low emission zones in major blow to Macron's net zero plans

France has voted to scrap Low Emission Zones in a major blow to President Emmanuel Macron's environmental and net zero goals.

The French National Assembly has voted in favour of the abolition of environmental zones.

A few hours after the vote of the deputies, the Toulousains reacted to the approval of the abolition of the ZFE. A regulation which was rather unanimous against it.

French MPs vote to scrap low-emission zones in blow to Macron

Critics said the zones hit those who cannot afford less-polluting vehicles the hardest.

The ZFEs, or Low-emission zones, are devices in force in large French cities that restrict the circulation of certain thermal cars to reduce air pollution. Progressively introduced since 2021, this system has always been criticized by part of the political class and Wednesday, 28 May, as parliamentarians were examining the law on "economic simplification", several parties joined the Assembly to vote for an amendment to abolish the ZFEs.