2023-05-04 22:44:27
In a tense atmosphere, the National Assembly adopted, in second reading, Thursday, May 4, a bill, carried by the left and supported by the right and the National Rally (RN), to “to protect EDF from dismemberment”.
The text was validated, once morest the opinion of the government, by 127 votes once morest 89, and one abstention. The ballot was held following long hours of debate and a series of adjournments, perceived by the left as so many “manoeuvres” and attempts to« obstruction » from the presidential camp.
The bill had already been adopted for the first time by the Assembly and then the Senate. The upper house had however deleted its article 1iswhich was to make it possible to enshrine in law the “Nationalization of EDF”.
“The word no longer appears there but that changes absolutely nothing”said Thursday the socialist deputy, Philippe Brun, author of the text examined during a « niche » of the communist group. The Senate, dominated by the right, on the other hand proposed to fix in the law the fact that EDF is a public limited company “the national interest”whose capital is 100% state owned, which the Assembly retained. By an amendment of Philippe Brun, it is however envisaged the opening of at least « 1,50 % » capital to employees and certain former employees.
The government argues that it is already leading a nationalization of EDF, the state holding at this stage « 96% of your capital », according to the Minister of Industry, Roland Lescure. The takeover bid must be finalized, following a favorable decision by the Paris Court of Appeal on Tuesday.
“Hercules is dead and buried”, assures the government
Philippe Brun, like his communist co-rapporteur Sébastien Jumel, also insisted on including in the law a list of « missions » provided by EDF: production, transport, distribution… Their goal: to prevent the executive from resuscitating “Hercules”, a controversial restructuring project.
“Hercules is dead and buried”repeated Roland Lescure. “Why are you afraid to enshrine it in law? », retorted Patrick Hetzel (LR). Majority and Minister argue that this list of missions is likely to create heaviness in the management of EDF, or even prevent future restructuring. “It is an article that restricts EDF in its activity”scolded Jean-René Cazeneuve (Renaissance), which Philippe Brun refuted.
In addition, the adopted text intends to expand the number of beneficiaries at regulated electricity tariffs. This is the case of SMEs, while the Senate had restricted this access to VSEs – companies with fewer than 20 employees –, targeting in particular artisan bakers. Mr. Lescure protested once morest the cost of the measure, 11 billion euros, highlighting the aid already in place. The deputies also added among the beneficiaries communities of less than 50,000 inhabitants, on a proposal from LR.
The parliamentary shuttle must continue with the Senate, and the left hopes for a conforming vote quickly.
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