The Minister of Energy opposed to the increase in taxes wanted by the government

There is friction on the line on the government's side regarding electricity taxes. The Minister of Energy, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, believes that the measure is counterproductive and is campaigning for no tax increase on different energies.

Agnès Pannier-Runacher does not look favorably on the electricity tax

The debate on energy taxation continues to rage in France, while the government's budgetary choices are looming for 2025. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, has just clarified her position during an intervention on the plateau of Grand Rendez-vous Europe 1/Cnews/Les Échos. So, she strongly opposes an increase in electricity taxes. Generally speaking, she pleads in favor of moderate taxation on energy. This choice, which she describes as pragmatic, is part of a strategic vision aimed at preserving France's energy sovereignty while meeting the imperatives of the ecological transition.

In a context where the government is considering a review of energy taxation to fill the budget deficit of 40 billion euros in 2025, Agnès Pannier-Runacher defends the idea that he is “ counterproductive » to tax electricity more. “ It is better to support electricity than gas« says the minister. She supports this statement by insisting on the fact that electricity in France is an energy “ sovereign and carbon-free“. Thus, it contributes not only to employment but also to the country's energy independence. She adds that taxing electricity would be an economic and ecological obstacle.

Opposition to high energy taxes

According to Pannier-Runacher, the increase in the tax on final consumption of electricity (TICPE) would harm the attractiveness of the energy sector. Above all, it would risk directly affecting the middle classes. Furthermore, the minister insists on the need to avoid to slow down electricity-based industriesat a time when Europe is seeking to get rid of its dependence on gas, particularly of Russian origin.

This position comes at a time when France and its European partners are struggling to coordinate on a common energy policy. Indeed, securing supplies while reducing carbon emissions is a priority.