Deputies approved, Monday, November 17, the new wording of a “polluter pays” tax on PFAS, a law imposed on these “perpetual pollutants” deemed ineffective according to some. The assembly also insisted that the regulations come into force in 2026 as planned, contrary to government advice.
The environmental initiative law enacted in February specifically stipulates a fee to be paid by producers whose factories dump PFAS into the water, at 100 euros per 100 grams, starting in 2026. But its implementation has still not been ratified, MP Anne-Cécile Violland (Horizons, Haute-Savoie) proposed an amendment to the draft state budget to rewrite the act, which “it is not possible to clearly identify the responsible parties, nor is it possible to calculate a reliable basis”he argued.
The Minister of Public Accounts, Amélie de Montchalin (Renaissance), said she agreed, believing that was the case today “not applicable” And “that nothing could be worse for democratic trust”. But another favorable opinion from the minister even divided his camp, when he approved an amendment to Les Républicains that aimed to delay the introduction of the fee for one year, until January 1 2027, to prepare the system and for businesses to adapt. Annoying positions in environmental groups: “Every month is late (…) “More people are getting cancer, fertility problems and dying.”says Marie-Charlotte Garin (Les Ecologistes, Rhône).
Agnès Pannier-Runacher (Renaissance), former minister of ecological transition, also expressed her incomprehension: “For me, when I left my ministry, everything was ready”he pointed out. And Renaissance, MoDem and Horizons deputies largely voted left-wing to defend the application from 2026.
The budget debate is in high tension
Deputies will continue debate on the state budget on Tuesday, with more than a thousand amendments to the “revenue” section on the menu by Sunday evening. If rejected, the entire initial text will be sent to the Senate. But even if there is adoption, the government can send the entire text, as amended by the Assembly, to the Senate without a vote starting at midnight Sunday, within the deadline set by the Constitution.
Eric Coquerel, president of La France’s insoumise finance committee, had called for the debate to continue beyond that, but said late Monday that he had received a negative response from the government. In his press release, the MP considered this “Therefore, the National Assembly risks losing its voting rights within hours”and call “all political groups” to reduce the debate time to vote on at least the “revenue” part.
Responding to Mr Coquerel, the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Laurent Panifous, argued that on paper there was still enough time on Monday for the Assembly to vote on revenues on Sunday, but that the Senate would also have to check the text. “in the best condition”. “Respecting constitutional and organic deadlines is essential for everyone to guarantee that our country can have a budget before the end of the year”he added.
