Energy bills continue to weigh heavily on household expenses, sparking political debate ahead of the legislative elections on June 30 and July 7. The New Popular Front’s “legislative contract” proposes to “freeze prices of essential goods,” including energy and fuel. This measure can be implemented by decree under the code of commerce for a duration of six months under “exceptional circumstances.” The left-wing coalition plans to abolish the so-called “Macron tax of 10% on bills” and reduce the fraction collected on electricity, while also canceling the scheduled increase in gas prices on July 1. They promise free electricity for the first kWh consumed, as well as a ban on power, heat, and gas disconnections for non-payment, even outside of the winter truce.
The Rassemblement National (RN) at the far right aims to “reduce VAT on gas, fuel, and fuel,” potentially lowering the rate from 20% to 5.5%. However, EU rules prohibit reduced rates for fuel consumption. Jordan Bardella, the RN’s president, pledges to implement this measure if they win the legislative elections, including a potential amendment to the finance law. The Les Républicains party, opposing alliances with the far right, also prioritizes reducing electricity prices through tax adjustments. The presidential camp, Ensemble, has also made campaign promises, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announcing a 15% reduction in electricity bills starting next winter, although this decrease is already anticipated automatically without intervention.
The political debate on reducing energy bills highlights different approaches from various parties. The left-wing coalition proposes freezing energy prices and abolishing the “Macron tax,” while the far-right RN pledges to lower VAT rates on gas and fuel products. The Les Républicains party also prioritizes reducing electricity prices through fiscal measures. The presidential camp, Ensemble, promises a 15% reduction in electricity bills, although this decrease is expected automatically without intervention. The outcomes of these proposals will depend on the election results and the ability of the winning party to implement their policies effectively.
The emphasis on reducing energy bills reflects the significance of this issue for households and the broader political landscape. With energy costs being a significant portion of household expenses, addressing this issue has become a central theme in the pre-election discussions. The proposed measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on households by reducing energy costs through various mechanisms, including price freezes, tax reductions, and promises of bill reductions. How these proposals will be implemented and their impact on household finances will depend on the policies and actions of the winning party in the upcoming legislative elections.
The discussion around energy bills in the lead-up to the legislative elections demonstrates the significance of this issue for voters and political parties. The proposed measures to reduce energy costs include freezing prices, abolishing taxes, and lowering VAT rates on energy products. The different approaches from various parties highlight the importance of addressing the financial burden of energy bills on households. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the policies and promises made by political parties regarding energy costs will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the upcoming legislative elections and determining the impact on households across the country.
