It was a decision that sent shockwaves through the environmental community: low-emission zones (ZFE) were abolished by the National Assembly on Wednesday 28 May 2025. This measure, designed to limit pollution in large conurbations, was buried as part of the bill to simplify economic life.
An unlikely political resonance
Initially, it was the Rassemblement National (RN) that launched the offensive against the ZFEs, in the name of “freedom of movement” for all vehicles, regardless of their Crit’Air sticker… But this crusade on behalf of cars has found an unexpected echo even in the ranks opposed to the far right. On the left of the political spectrum, La France insoumise (LFI) also voted to abolish these zones, denouncing a socially unfair measure. According to the Insoumis, the EPZs primarily penalise low-income workers who depend on their vehicles to get to work or, quite simply, to do their job (in certain sectors of activity).
Dejection for the Greens…
Marine Tondelier, national secretary of Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV), had this to say about the decision, which she described as a “dramatic turning point”. On her X account (formerly Twitter), she expressed her indignation: ” This is the worst week for ecology in a long time. She points the finger at a motley majority, ranging from the RN to LFI, via a few Macronist MPs, who voted to abolish the EPZs, adopted by 98 votes to 51.
A step backwards for the environment?
The abolition of the EPZs is part of a wider trend to question environmental policies, which are often criticised for being technocratic or out of touch with social issues. The political signal, however, is unequivocal: in the midst of a climate crisis, France is choosing to ease an ecological constraint in the name of economic accessibility, even if it means compromising the long-term dynamic initiated several years ago.
Ironically, however, these zones were supported by President Emmanuel Macron and implemented under the government of Édouard Philippe. In 2022, our Head of State announced, following his re-election: ” The policy I will pursue over the next five years will be ecological or it won’t be. ” Three years on, the ecological course set by the presidential party raises questions.
