Michel Barnier, who served as Minister of Environment from 1993 to 1995 and Minister of Agriculture from 2007 to 2009, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of France. Environmental NGOs have raised concerns about the urgent need for action, particularly regarding pending issues such as the national plan for climate change adaptation. Générations futures has called for a “change of course” and emphasized the importance of moving away from the environmental shortcomings of the previous government. The WWF France director, Véronique Andrieux, noted the absence of environmental discussions since the dissolution of the National Assembly and highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Sébastien Treyer, the executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (Iddri), has urged the new government to urgently reverse budget cuts to the green fund and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe). Benoît Leguet, director of the Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE), has emphasized the need for a compatible budget law and a multi-year strategy for financing the ecological transition. Greenpeace has praised Barnier’s past efforts in environmental matters, such as the Barnier Law, which introduced the polluter-pays principle and the establishment of a fund to aid communities in natural disasters.
During his time as Minister of Agriculture, Barnier was known for resisting pressures from the National Federation of Agricultural Holders’ Unions (FNSEA) during the Grenelle negotiations on pesticides. FNSEA and Young Farmers (JA) have called on Barnier to prioritize agriculture in his government, while the Confederation of Peasants has stressed the need for increased support for farmers’ income. Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, president of the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), commended Barnier for his courage, authority, and commitment to the common good.
However, some experts have expressed doubts about Barnier’s commitment to environmental action as Prime Minister. Jean-François Julliard, Greenpeace France’s general director, believes that Barnier may not prioritize social and environmental justice, while Morgane Créach, director of the Climate Action Network, is concerned that environmental transition may not be his top priority. Despite some reservations, Barnier’s history of environmental legislation and resistance to pressure from agricultural unions has provided hope for some environmental advocates.
As Michel Barnier assumes the role of Prime Minister, the focus on urgent environmental issues such as climate change adaptation and biodiversity preservation remains a top priority for various NGOs and experts. While some have questioned Barnier’s dedication to environmental causes, others have cited his past achievements in promoting environmental legislation and standing up to industry pressures. The coming months will be crucial in determining the new government’s approach to sustainability and green initiatives, with calls for increased funding and legislative measures to support the transition to a more environmentally friendly future.
