French far-right leaders have proposed a significant overhaul of the country’s energy system, which has caught the attention of European leaders. The parties advocate for France to disengage from the European energy market and revert to a “French electricity” system. This would lead to autonomous electricity production and affordable electricity prices, according to Eric Ciottin, chairman of Les Républicains. Jordan Bardella, the leading candidate of the National Alliance, has also outlined plans for an independent electricity price formation in France.
The victory of these far-right parties in the recent parliamentary elections has sparked discussions in the energy sector particularly in Europe. The proposals put forth by the French parties are considered surprising and could have significant implications given that the unified European electricity market has been operational for almost three decades.
Critics from experts interviewed by Handelsblatt caution that cutting off electricity trade between European nations could lead to energy shortages and price hikes, affecting both Europe and France’s energy systems. Germany is particularly concerned about potential cessation of importing French nuclear electricity.
The far-right leaders in France have questioned Germany’s emphasis on renewable energy production, viewing solar, wind, and hydrogen energy as costly forms of production that should be isolated from France. However, this proposal would face challenges given that France primarily relies on nuclear power for its electricity generation and faced issues when some nuclear power plants had to be shut down due to problems in 2022. At that time, France was able to meet its electricity needs through imports from neighboring countries. This highlights the interconnectedness of European energy markets and the importance of cooperation to ensure stable energy supply.
In conclusion, French far-right leaders are advocating for a significant overhaul of the country’s energy system by proposing that France should disengage from the European energy market and revert to a “French electricity” system. While this proposal may seem attractive at first glance, it would face challenges given its impact on both Europe’s and France’s energy systems. It is important for policymakers to carefully consider this proposal before making any decisions that could have long-lasting consequences on both continents’ economies and societies.
