Despite claiming to champion jobs and economic growth, French right-wing politicians nearly torpedoed 80,000 renewable energy jobs last week. The National Assembly initially passed an amendment for a moratorium on wind and solar projects—a move industry experts immediately labeled “industrially absurd.”
In a stunning display of irony, right-wing French politicians attacked the very jobs they claim to protect
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
The controversial ban, pushed by right-wing and far-right parties, passed by a thin margin thanks to significant absenteeism among MPs. But the victory didn’t last long. After fierce backlash, the amendment was ultimately rejected, preserving thousands of jobs in manufacturing, project development, and associated services.
We’ve seen this movie before. Back in 2010, a similar moratorium decimated the French photovoltaic industry, wiping out around 20,000 jobs. Supply chains collapsed. Small businesses shut down. The industry stagnated. Apparently, some politicians have short memories—or just don’t care about the consequences.
Major utility Engie didn’t mince words, warning the ban would cost the company billions and threaten France’s entire energy sector. The renewable energy industry was in a feverish state anticipating the final parliamentary vote. Credit rating agencies were reportedly considering downgrading France’s national rating. Not exactly a winning economic strategy.
The renewable sector has become a critical economic driver, especially in rural areas where wind and solar projects create both direct and indirect employment. These aren’t just jobs—they’re livelihoods supporting families across the country. The tax incentives for renewable energy development have been crucial for sustaining this growth trajectory in rural communities. Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher emphasized the proposal was unreasonable and irresponsible, highlighting the government’s commitment to renewable energy development.
France’s energy evolution depends on a diverse mix of power sources. The country aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and meeting EU renewable targets requires continued development of clean energy. The same bill includes plans to expand nuclear generation, showing the government’s commitment to a balanced approach.
References
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/06/24/french-parliament-rejects-proposal-for-moratorium-on-solar-and-wind/
- https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/death-of-sector-french-wind-and-solar-ban-risks-80-000-jobs-and-engie-billions/2-1-1837120
- https://renewablesnow.com/news/lawmakers-in-france-propose-temporary-halt-on-new-wind-solar-1277368/
- https://www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1923254/french-lawmakers-defeat-industrially-absurd-far-right-effort-halt-renewables
- https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/french-parliament-backs-halt-on-wind-and-solar-projects-for-now/
