"An insufficient aid scheme in the face of the fuel crisis"
In the face of soaring prices, the executive is sharply criticized by Stéphane Rambaud, MP for the 3rd constituency of Var, for aid deemed complex...
The press conference of the Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, on the fuel crisis has sparked strong reactions, notably from the Rassemblement National, which denounced a series of "non-announcements". With this international conflict and the continuous rise in prices at the pump, government measures are described as "half-measures" and "overly complex schemes", leaving many French people and professional sectors without concrete support in the face of the economic emergency.
For Stéphane Rambaud: "The government has announced the simple renewal in June of existing measures, with a slight broadening, while calling on companies to contribute via aid for their employees. This approach is deemed highly unsatisfactory by the opposition, which points to the complexity and limited scope of targeted aid. These would result in an average reduction of 20 cents per liter for the few eligible beneficiaries, a figure weighed against the Rassemblement National's proposal of a 43-cent reduction per liter, obtained through a reduction in TVA and TICPE (Taxe Intérieure de Consommation sur les Produits Énergétiques)."
The MP continues: "The lack of attractiveness of the current system is said to be confirmed by the figures. Only 2,000 requests for aid have reportedly been registered. This situation illustrates a desire to buy time and avoid the only measure deemed effective and fair: a massive and immediate reduction in taxes for all consumers.
Such a measure, simple and clear, could be adopted via an amended budget and financed, according to the opposition, by savings made on other state spending areas."
TAX WINDFALL "The government justified the lack of room for maneuver by arguing a loss of tax revenues of €100 million since the beginning of the crisis, compared to the same period in 2025. Far from being a valid argument, this figure is on the contrary said to be the consequence of the executive's inaction.
This fall in revenue is explained by a 30% drop in fuel consumption. For the Rassemblement National, this contraction is the symptom of a deeper crisis. It reflects the sacrifices of French people, forced to drastically limit their travel, and foreshadows increased difficulties for companies and a risk of economic recession," insists Stéphane Rambaud.
"Furthermore, the €100 million loss must be put into perspective with tax revenues. Each year, the State collects €42 billion thanks to fuel taxation. Compared to this amount, the €100 million drop represents only a 0.25% decrease in revenue, a marginal figure that in no way justifies maintaining an intolerable tax pressure on household purchasing power," deplores the MP for Var.
Photo Philippe OLIVIER.