Against the advice of the government, the National Assembly adopted on Thursday in second reading a text to “protect EDF from dismemberment”, which also aims to expand the number of companies and communities that benefit from regulated electricity rates. In a tense environment, the bill, carried by the left and supported by the right and RN, was validated by 127 votes against 89 and one abstention.
The vote took place after long hours of debate and a series of postponements, perceived by the left as so many “maneuvers” and attempts to “obstruct” the presidential camp. The text had already been approved first by the Assembly and then by the Senate. However, the upper house had removed its article 1, which would allow the “nationalization of EDF” to be included in the law.
“The word no longer appears there, but that does not change anything at all,” said PS deputy Philippe Brun, author of the text examined during a “niche” of the communist group, on Thursday. The Senate, dominated by the right, instead, proposed to establish in law the fact that EDF is a public limited company “of national interest”, whose capital is “100% owned by the State”, which the Assembly retained. However, through an amendment by Philippe Brun, it is planned to open up at least “1.50%” of the capital to employees and certain former employees.
“Hercules is dead and gone”
The government argues that it is already leading a nationalization of EDF, the state that at this stage has “96% of the capital”, according to Industry Minister Roland Lescure. The takeover bid is due to go through, following a favorable decision by the Paris Court of Appeal on Tuesday. Philippe Brun, like his communist co-rapporteur Sébastien Jumel, also insisted on including in the law a list of “missions” carried out by EDF: production, transport, distribution… Its objective: to prevent the executive from resurrecting “Hercules”. , a controversial restructuring project.
“Hercules is dead and gone,” repeated Roland Lescure. “Why are you afraid to enshrine it in law?” replied Patrick Hetzel (LR). The majority and the Minister argue that this list of missions is likely to create a burden on EDF’s management, or even prevent future restructuring. “It is an article that restricts the activity of EDF”, replied Jean-René Cazeneuve (Renaissance), which Philippe Brun refuted.
Regarding the regulated tariffs for the sale of electricity, the deputies extended the benefit to SMEs, while the Senate had restricted it to VSEs, targeting artisan bakers in particular. Lescure protested the cost of the measure, 11,000 million euros, highlighting the existing aid. The deputies also added communities with less than 50,000 inhabitants among the beneficiaries, at the proposal of LR.
The parliamentary shuttle must continue with the Senate, and the left expects a conforming vote quickly.
Source: BFM TV
