France"s ecological planning at risk under new leadership

The General Secretariat for Ecological Planning (SGPE) was established under the French prime minister's authority to advance the country's environmental goals, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. This initiative was part of Emmanuel Macron's vision to transform France into a leading ecological nation, with a focus on moving away from fossil fuels. However, the recent political changes, including the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale, have jeopardized the SGPE's effectiveness. Former prime minister Gabriel Attal's disinterest in environmental issues had already weakened the SGPE, and the new prime minister, Michel Barnier, faces challenges in maintaining its influence. Although Barnier is expected to keep the SGPE operational, there are concerns that it may become ineffective due to proposed budget cuts and the caretaker government's limitations. The prime minister's office has sent a "ceiling letter" to the environment ministry, suggesting budget reductions that contradict the SGPE's objectives. Additionally, critical programming documents prepared by SGPE head Antoine Pellion have been frozen, further hindering progress. Barnier's political background, particularly his party's focus on technology over direct decarbonization efforts, raises questions about the future of environmental planning in France. Ignoring the climate transition challenges would not only be a setback for the country but also a failure for a president who committed to prioritizing environmental issues in his second term.