On Saturday, 21st September 2024, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Agnès Pannier-Runacher as Minister for Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate, and Risk Prevention, a nomination put forward by the Prime Minister.
He also selected Catherine Vautrin as Minister for Partnership with the Territories and Decentralisation, and Valérie Létard as Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal.
The handover of power took place on Monday, 23rd September 2024, at the Hôtel de Roquelaure, where Christophe Béchu, the former head of the ministry, transferred his responsibilities to the new representatives.
A shift towards French eMobility
This government reshuffle signals new initiatives to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
In her speech, Agnès Pannier-Runacher emphasised the importance of fostering “popular ecology,” a vision of ecological transition accessible to all citizens, not just the elites.
“We must ensure that ecology is not seen as an issue reserved for the wealthy,” she stated, underscoring that ecological policies must benefit all sections of society.
For Pannier-Runacher, these policies must not be perceived as a series of restrictions but rather as measures that improve quality of life, particularly in critical areas such as air quality, access to clean water, and protection from the effects of climate change.
This inclusive approach is crucial to driving further progress in sustainable mobility, ensuring that the benefits of the green transformation reach everyone, regardless of economic status or geographical location.
In addition to political objectives, two key industrial goals have been set: reaching the production of two million electric cars in France by 2030 and installing 400,000 public charging points by the same year.
This makes the coming months critical for the development of electric mobility, as collaboration between institutional and industrial forces will be essential to achieve what is expected to be one of the largest infrastructure projects of the decade.
The actions taken by the Government and Parliament will be crucial in ensuring stable financial support, and maintaining incentives for electrification both for individuals and transport companies.
Avere-France stated that “it will be necessary to strengthen regulations by expanding on the work done in the previous legislative term concerning mandatory fleet electrification”, and they announced that they will present new proposals on this matter in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Valérie Létard, highlighted the importance of the energy transition, stating that “facilitating the switch to cleaner vehicles means reducing air pollution, noise pollution, and fuel bills.”
She also stressed that the government’s commitment extends beyond environmental concerns to improving the daily lives of citizens, especially those who rely on cars for commuting.
Létard’s focus on housing and urban renewal is also closely linked to sustainable mobility.
In this regard, upgrading buildings for better energy efficiency complements the adoption of zero-emission transportation, creating a more sustainable ecosystem for all.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the European Green Deal and the development of renewable energy, including electric mobility.
“No energy source can be excluded,” Létard noted, stressing that both renewables and nuclear power will play pivotal roles in the transition to a decarbonised economy.
The ministers are tasked with ensuring that the policies promoting vehicle electrification reach all corners of the country, including rural areas that are more reliant on private cars.
“The ecology I wish to represent must, above all, serve the everyday needs of the French people,” Vautrin commented, emphasising that a successful transition to EVs must include practical solutions for those in less urbanised regions.
The new ministerial team will also play a crucial role in representing France on the international stage.
Létard pledged to be “France’s voice in the new European Commission, to ensure it maintains the momentum initiated by the Green Deal in a political context tinged with scepticism.”
This reference to international cooperation underscores that France’s policies will not only impact the country but also aim to lead Europe in the shift to clean mobility.
Lastly, in her address, Catherine Vautrin emphasised the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the government to drive the development of infrastructure and transport systems that adequately connect cities and rural areas.
“I have witnessed all your commitments, sitting beside you,” she said, referring to the efforts made in urban planning and environmental preservation, highlighting the need to protect biodiversity in communities of all sizes.
Vautrin reiterated that the success of the ecological and climate transition depends on a collective willingness to overcome these challenges.
Her experience as the former president of the Grand Reims Urban Community gives her a deep understanding of the expectations of citizens and the importance of listening to local communities.
“I want every village, every neighbourhood, every municipality, every canton, every region to be recognised because they are what make our Republic what it is,” she declared, emphasising the government’s commitment to fostering sincere and respectful dialogue with local officials and all stakeholders involved in community life.
The political careers of the Ministers
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, born in Paris, is a prominent figure both in politics and business.
Affiliated with La République En Marche! (LREM), she has held several high-ranking positions, including Minister of Industry under the governments of Édouard Philippe and Jean Castex.
Later, in 2022, she was appointed Minister for Energy Transition in Élisabeth Borne’s government, solidifying her role as a key leader in France’s energy policies.
On the other hand, Valérie Létard, hailing from Orchies in northern France, has had a long and varied political career, marked by her involvement in several centrist parties, including UDF, NC, and UDI.
Close to former Minister Jean-Louis Borloo, she has been a prominent figure in the Hauts-de-France region, holding key roles such as president of the Valenciennes Urban Community and first vice-president of the Regional Council.
Her parliamentary experience is also extensive, having served as both senator and deputy for the Nord department multiple times since 2001.
She was also Vice President of the Senate from 2017 to 2023.
Under Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency, Létard was Secretary of State, first in charge of Solidarity and later in Green Technologies and Climate Negotiations, from 2007 to 2010.
Finally, Catherine Vautrin, from Reims, began her political career in 1983 as a municipal councillor in her hometown.
Throughout her career, she has been a member of both the UMP and Les Républicains (LR), holding important national positions such as deputy for the Marne constituency and Vice President of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2017.
She also distinguished herself in local politics, leading the Grand Reims Urban Community from 2014 to 2024, and presided over the National Agency for Urban Renewal (ANRU) from 2022 to 2024.
In January 2024, after five years away from LR, she took up the post of Minister for Labour, Health, and Solidarity in Gabriel Attal’s government.
Together, these three leaders bring vast experience and strong political backgrounds, with a focused commitment to driving both ecological and social transition across France.
