The final vote on the bill to simplify economic life will take place this Tuesday. It has been postponed several times because the text has been heavily modified during parliamentary shuttle negotiations. Initially designed over two years ago to reduce or eliminate standards, and allow small and medium-sized enterprises easier access to public markets, it now includes the removal of Low Emission Zones (ZFE). This provision was introduced by right-wing opposition parties, who consider that excluding the most polluting vehicles from city centers is discriminatory towards the most vulnerable categories.
However, the ZFE, one of the flagship measures of Emmanuel Macron’s environmental record and stemming from the citizen convention on climate, is supported by the Renaissance MPs. They have threatened not to vote for the “simplification” law, which they originated, in order to preserve the ZFE. To resolve the issue, the government is expected to submit an amendment before the vote allowing local authorities to choose whether to implement ZFEs. This parliamentary maneuver should satisfy both sides. The creators of the bill would see the main measures for businesses finally adopted, and the critics of ZFEs would be content.
After ZFEs, comes the ZAN! This is the political display. However, in detail, the government’s amendment will likely not prevent the probable censorship of the article removing ZFEs. Several sources confirm that this article, referred to as a “legislative rider,” could ultimately be deemed unconstitutional. In addition, several MPs from all sides, as well as many local elected officials including several regional presidents, have signed a statement warning about Article 15 of this simplification law.
They urge not to vote for what they believe undermines the ZAN (zero net artificialization of land). This provision is indeed altered in the bill in order to facilitate the establishment of data centers. The statement from these officials specifies that since the adoption of the Climate and Resilience law, which includes the ZAN, elected officials across the country have adjusted their urban planning documents (especially local urban plans) to comply with the law. Modifying it now could open the possibility for legal challenges against some officials. Another amendment may therefore be submitted as a last resort to avoid these pitfalls of a “simplification” law where nothing has been simple.
