The French government has postponed indefinitely the final parliamentary vote on the suppression of low-emission zones (ZFE), due to ongoing blockage within the presidential camp. This measure, introduced by LR and RN in the simplification bill, aimed to abolish zones created eleven years ago to improve air quality. The postponement, announced by Minister Laurent Panifous on January 26, follows an agreement in the joint committee on January 20, but internal opposition makes adoption uncertain.
Low-emission zones (ZFE) were launched eleven years ago in major French metropolises to restrict access to the most polluting vehicles and improve air quality. This device, criticized for its constraints and social impact on low-income households, is at the center of heated parliamentary debate.
The simplification of economic life bill initially provided for the total suppression of ZFEs, a measure introduced by the Republicans (LR) and National Rally (RN) groups. A joint parliamentary committee (CMP) voted for this suppression on January 20, 2026, paving the way for a solemn vote in the National Assembly on January 27, then in the Senate on January 29.
However, divisions within the presidential camp, embarrassed by challenging a flagship policy of Macron's first term, led to a blockage. The Minister for Relations with Parliament, Laurent Panifous, announced on January 26 the indefinite postponement of the vote, justifying it by the need to find a compromise to avoid the text's failure. "Rather than sending a text to the slaughter at the National Assembly," he said on LCP.
Opponents of ZFEs, like writer Alexandre Jardin leading the "Les #Gueux" movement, hail this as a victory against "punitive ecology." Adeline, a driver from Ile-de-France with a car over 20 years old, expresses the confusion among motorists: "We no longer know if we can keep our old car, if we have to sell it to continue driving. We're lost. It's nonsense!"
Defenders of ZFEs highlight their role in reducing pollution, citing figures like 48,000 premature deaths per year, though contested. An Odoxa poll for Le Figaro reveals that the French largely approve the suppression, fearing a Yellow Vests-like anger movement if ZFEs are maintained. The government is now attempting a counterattack, with meetings involving public health experts and local elected officials to defend air quality.
