The French government has reaffirmed its commitment not to increase gas taxes, after contradictory statements from members of its team. Maud Bregeon, government spokesperson, clearly indicated that no new tax will be applied, thus putting an end to the speculation sparked by the comments of the Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher.
This clarification comes after Ms Pannier-Runacher raised the possibility of an increase in gas taxes in an amendment to the finance bill. She stressed the need to provide consistent price signals between carbon and decarbonized solutions, mentioning various tax levers.
Conflicting statements within the government
Maud Bregeon spoke during an interview on BFMTV to contest the minister’s comments, saying that the gas tax had already doubled at the beginning of the previous year and that there would be no increase additional. She also mentioned the arbitration of Prime Minister Michel Barnier on this crucial issue.
On the other hand, Agnès Pannier-Runacher declared during a press conference that the government was considering increasing taxation on gas, as well as on other sectors such as plane tickets. These proposals were part of the measures envisaged by way of amendment within the framework of the finance bill.
Impact on households and businesses
The gas tax was doubled last year as part of the exit from the tariff shield introduced in 2021 to counter the energy crisis. This measure aimed to limit the increase in consumer bills, but was criticized for its impact on the purchasing power of households and the competitiveness of businesses.
Maud Bregeon recalled that the government’s draft budget provides for a controlled increase in the electricity bill, while guaranteeing a reduction of 9% for the 76% of households at the regulated rate. This approach aims to balance energy transition needs with consumer protection.
Reactions of political and economic actors
The minister’s statements sparked mixed reactions within the government. Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin expressed his disagreement with the proposed increase in gas taxes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fiscal stability to support economic recovery.
Furthermore, companies in the energy sector welcomed the announcement of the absence of tax increases, arguing that this would allow better financial planning and continuity of investments in energy infrastructure.
Future perspectives and additional measures
The government is continuing its efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions without increasing taxes on households and businesses. Among the initiatives underway are the increase in the automobile penalty and the removal of the reduced VAT rate on fossil fuel boiler installations.
These measures are part of a broader energy transition strategy, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint while supporting the national economy. The debate remains open as to the best approaches to achieve these objectives without compromising competitiveness and the well-being of citizens.
