Mobility sphere Interview Climate

How can we align the objectives of the ecological transition with national realities and budgetary constraints?

Xavier Roseren, Member of French Parliament Rédigé le January 13, 2025

Photographe : Bart van Leersum

"We are in a difficult situation with France's very, very high debt, and we have to pay off that debt. But that's no reason to stop moving forward with the ecological transition. My preferred principle is subsidiarity. That means decisions should be made as close to the citizens as possible. This is all the more important given that almost 50% of greenhouse gases come from transport. That's why we really need to focus on transport. What the government wants to do is prioritize what works: transport, and then building insulation." [00:10]

In this interview, Xavier Roseren looks at the budgetary issues at the heart of the ecological transition.

We are in a tight situation, with France's huge debt in need of repayment. But that does not mean we should stop making progress on the ecological transition.

The principle I prefer is that of subsidiarity: decisions must be taken as close as possible to the people. This is all the more important given that almost 50% of greenhouse gases come from transport, and it's also the reason why we really need to get involved in transport. For the ecological transition, the government wants to focus on what works: transport and building insulation.