The new Energy Defence Council has been meeting in Paris this afternoon to discuss potential fuel shortages as winter looms. France normally has what it takes to cope with a classic winter, but the situation this year could be more complicated in the event of extreme cold peaks or an escalation of the war in Ukraine. The government is considering a three-stage plan; The first to ask the population to cut back its energy usage and turn down the heating. The second step being considered is power cuts for the companies and businesses that consume the most. The third more drastic step is a general drop in voltage across the country’s network, with consequences for everyone, where wifi would be less efficient, light a little weaker and cell phones taking a little longer to recharge. The government is hoping the plan will avoid the worst case scenario of rationing or even power cuts.
250 property owners in Marseilles are taking the city to court over disproportionate increases in property tax. Tax Fonciere in France is based on the notional rental value of a property, and paid by the owner, regardless of whether it's rented or even occupied. In April this year, the municipal council in Marseilles voted for a 14% increase, which the plaintiffs say will push many small owners into poverty.
The creation of eleven new mobile police units, which could be deployed nationally as required, is to be debated in the French parliament soon. One of the units will be permanently based in Nice, along with units in Marseilles and Lyon. This, and the creation of 200 gendarmerie brigades, are designed to dou
