Public administration and companies are called upon to set an example when it comes to reducing energy consumption
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France is preparing “an energy sobriety plan” pending Russia’s decision to shut down Russia’s gas tap to Europe completely in the coming months. The president urged citizens to “general mobilization” and asked them to reduce their energy consumption from now on so as not to depend so much on Moscow.
The public administration and French companies are called on to lead by example when it comes to reducing energy consumption, so that the economy does not have to stand still this winter due to a lack of energy supply. “We are already starting to consume less, it is the pursuit of waste,” the president said in an interview with the public television channels TF1 and France 2, on the occasion of the French National Day.
Macron warned that the war in Ukraine “will last” and that it will affect Europeans. “Russia uses energy like food does, as a weapon of war,” warned the tenant of the Elysée after the traditional military parade along the Champs-Élysées.
From the gardens of the Elysee Palace, the president urged his compatriots to prepare in the coming months for “a scenario of total gas cut-off by Russia”, something he deems “probable”.
That is why the cabinet is preparing “an (energy) sobriety plan with specified objectives”. «From now on I will ask the government services and all companies that consume less. We are going to make a plan and try to be careful with night lighting,” added Macron, who believes the Gauls should “come together on a logic of sobriety”.
According to television channel BFMTV, the plan, which will be presented in September, aims to reduce energy consumption by 10% by 2024, for electricity, gas and fuel.
Macron recalled that “France, thanks to its energy model, is not very dependent on Russian gas”, as it bought 17% of what it consumed before the crisis. But he felt that in any case it is necessary to diversify the supply in search of other supplier countries and to rebuild the reserves in order to cope with a possible supply.
On the other hand, the president has announced that discussion on the controversial pension reform should begin in September so that it can take effect in the summer of 2023. “We have to work harder and longer,” as France has “one of the most generous social models” and “we work less time than our neighbors,” he reminded his compatriots.
Macron wants to gradually raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 65, which unions and the parties of the left and far right are opposing. He tried in his first term, but the reform, which sparked many protests in the streets, was eventually postponed due to the Covid-19 health crisis.
Source: La Verdad
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
