PARIS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - France's far-right National Rally (RN) party submitted a no-confidence motion on Monday against the government following the adoption of a new energy law, which outlines long
Far Right Launches No-Confidence Bid Over France’s New Energy Law
Political Fight Over France’s Energy Strategy
PARIS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - France's far-right National Rally (RN) party submitted a no-confidence motion on Monday against the government following the adoption of a new energy law, which outlines long-term energy targets.
Prospects for the Motion
The motion is unlikely to succeed, however, with the Socialist Party - a crucial swing vote in the fragmented assembly - indicating it will not support the effort.
EDF and Nuclear Reactor Mandate
What the Energy Plan Changes
France unveiled a long-delayed energy strategy this month that scaled down renewable energy goals and eased pressure on the state-run utility EDF by reversing a mandate to shut down 14 nuclear reactors.
RN’s Criticism and Price Concerns
RN leader Marine Le Pen has accused the government of bypassing parliamentary oversight by implementing the plan through decree, saying it will drive up energy prices and push higher costs onto households and businesses.
Government’s Minority and Recent Votes
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government, which lacks a parliamentary majority, survived two no-confidence votes this month after pushing a delayed budget through the National Assembly.
Quote from Jerome Guedj
Socialist Party Position
Socialist lawmaker Jerome Guedj told France Info radio that the party had "negotiated with the government to bring stability, not to have chaos", and did not plan to support the no-confidence motion.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
