Without an absolute majority in the National Assembly, can Emmanuel Macron launch the reform of EDF, as imperative as they are urgent? Weighted with a debt of 43 billion euros, sick of the aging of its nuclear power plants, weakened by the exorbitant requirements of Brussels and the decisions of the State to lighten the electricity bill of the French, the energy giant lives a dark year. But at the Palais-Bourbon, neither the Norpes nor the national rally are arranged in compromise.
This is the status of EDF public enterprise as some laws, which should only be “touched by a trembling hand”, according to Montesquieu’s formula. In 2006, the privatization of Gaz de France, prior to his marriage to Suez, had given rise to a memorable parliamentary battle. The reorganization of EDF, which requires certain legislative changes, risks being just as much, while the European Commission remains vigilant on the obligation made to the group to resell its competitors (and at low prices) a part of its nuclear production.
“The risk of a form of status quo”
A first project, called Hercules, failed in 2021, due to persistent disagreements with Brussels (on regulation) and the unanimous opposition of the unions. He provided for a total nationalization of nuclear activity (EDF Bleu), and the opening of Green EDF (Enedis, Renewable Energies, Marketing) to private investors. Favorable to this scheme proposed by the CEO, Jean-Bernard Lévy, the President of the Republic hoped to relaunch a fairly close reform after the legislative elections.
Supported EDF and nuclear has meaning when the drop in gas deliveries by Russia threatens the energy security of Europe. And Emmanuel Macron could hope for the support of the sixty-four deputies of the Les Républicains-Udi group, supporters of nuclear power and open at the entrance to private capital in certain activities. For the moment, they display a refusal of any agreement with the elected macronists, even if the worst policy – leave EDF in an untenable situation – will undoubtedly impose compromises.
“The real risk is to leave EDF in a form of status quo”, worries Sébastien Michel, secretary of the CFDT chemistry-energy federation. Mr. Lévy is also impatient, even if he will not be able to carry out this reform, reached by the age limit of 68 years in March 2023. The Agency for State Participations will launch head hunters for Find him a successor, a man or a woman sufficiently animated by the spirit of public service to accept 450,000 euros per year – a modest salary for such a strategic company.