France’s National Assembly Approves Abolition of Low-Emission Zones
France’s National Assembly has approved a vote to abolish low-emission zones (ZFEs), a policy introduced by President Emmanuel Macron to tackle urban pollution. The measure, which passed with a majority of 98-51, received support from a mix of political factions, including some members of Macron’s party. However, the decision faces further hurdles, as it must still pass through France’s Senate and be included in a broader legislative bill set to be considered in June.
The ZFEs were first implemented in 2019 in 15 of France’s most polluted cities, including Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, and Grenoble. These zones have since expanded to all cities with populations over 150,000, imposing restrictions on older vehicles and requiring Crit’Air stickers for newer cars. The policy has been criticized for disproportionately affecting lower-income citizens who cannot afford to replace their vehicles with less-polluting alternatives.
While the abolition of ZFEs is expected to pass the Senate, it still needs to be incorporated into a broader legislative bill and cleared by the Constitutional Council, which may pose additional challenges. The decision reflects growing political pressure to balance environmental goals with socioeconomic concerns, particularly in the context of rising inflation and economic uncertainty in France.