France's climate revolution, new law bans short domestic flights, green wealth tax

The government aims to decrease the carbon emissions produced in the country. 

This law was planned for over two years and inspired by a climate law passed in 2021.  The climate law aimed initially to prevent domestic flights lasting less than four hours when people could easily travel by train.

After facing criticism, the legislation underwent multiple revisions. As a result, the maximum duration for short-haul domestic flights affected by the law was reduced to two and-a-half hours. The change will directly impact three significant air routes from Paris to Lyon, Nantes, and Bordeaux.

Airlines for Europe interim leader Laurent Donceel told the Agence France-Presse news that governments should focus on supporting “real and significant solutions” to address airline emissions rather than implementing “symbolic bans.”

Critics of the legislation argued it may violate competition laws set by the European Union (EU).  In December, the European Commission (EC) reviewed and approved the ambitious climate laws with a condition. 

The EC said “the negative impacts on European citizens and connectivity of any restriction of traffic rights is offset by the availability of affordable, convenient and more sustainable alternative transport modes.”

After receiving approval from the EC, Transport Minister Clement Beaune described the new air travel restrictions as a “major step forward.”

“I am proud that France is a pioneer in this area,” said Beaune.

The French government is engaged in “ongoing discussions” on how to decrease its carbon footprint. 

A proposal was introduced suggesting a one-time “green tax” specifically targeting the wealthiest individuals in the country. This tax aims to support France in achieving its environmental transition goals.

The one-off green wealth tax proposal targeting the wealthiest individuals in France was presented to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The proposal came in the form of a report authored by Jean Pisani-Ferry, who served as a chief economic adviser to Emmanuel Macron in 2017. The report suggested  France implement a green wealth tax to meet its net zero obligations by 2050.  The proposed tax aimed to reclaim €150 billion from the wealthiest 10% of the country's population. 

The justification behind the proposal was wealthier individuals tend to have a “larger carbon footprint” and the tax would help address the environmental impact of their “lifestyles.”

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire publicly rejected the green wealth tax proposal.  Many cabinet members, including Borne, did not comment on the proposal.