France is set to abolish its Low Emission Zones (ZFE), measures introduced in 2015 to restrict the most polluting vehicles from urban centers. The move comes after a vote in the French National Assembly on Tuesday, January 20th, confirming a previous decision by a joint parliamentary commission (CMP).
The ZFE system, originally introduced to reduce urban pollution, had faced growing criticism as a driver of social segregation. Its abolition marks a victory for the Rassemblement National (RN) party, which long condemned the policy as punitive and socially divisive.
RN president Marine Le Pen welcomed the decision on X, saying
Thanks to the mobilization of our deputies, low-emission zones—truly a measure of social segregation and punitive ecology—have just been rejected in the National Assembly. This is a victory and a great relief for millions of French motorists!
RN deputy Pierre Meurin also highlighted the repeal as an “Another victory secured by the RN group.”
Previously, members of the RN managed to propose and pass an article repealing the LEZs, which was approved on May 28th. This article was part of a broader bill on “simplifying economic life.” On June 17th, the vote on the entire bill by a majority of MPs confirmed the previous votes, which were all in favour of abolishing LEZs.
