A collective comprising left-wing elected officials, as well as associative and trade union organizations, has formally requested the removal of a government mechanism designed to mobilize regulated savings for the construction of new nuclear reactors. The group fears that this initiative will weaken the financial resources available for social housing projects. During a press conference held at the National Assembly on Monday, LFI deputy Maxime Laisney denounced the plan as an "exorbitant blank check." The organizers presented a petition they claim has gathered nearly 150 signatures in support of their demand.
Under the government's proposed 2027 budget, up to 60% of the construction costs for six new EPR2 reactors would be financed through a loan backed by French regulated savings, including those held in Livret A accounts. This mobilization is capped at 60 billion euros. The state would guarantee repayment and cover interest costs during the construction phase, subsequently ensuring a fixed 3% rate for an EDF subsidiary during the operational period. Both the Livret A and the sustainable development and solidarity savings book (LDDS) are classified as regulated savings products yielding 1.7% to depositors. These accounts hold hundreds of billions of euros, with a portion centralized in the Caisse des dépôts' Savings Fund, which is currently used to finance social housing.
The Coalition argues that diverting these funds to nuclear energy without prior consultation undermines their social purpose and reduces the margins available for accelerating the construction and renovation of affordable homes. Dominique Plihon from Attac criticized the executive's "unilateral decision" as a violation of democratic rules, noting that while the government assured in March that social housing financing would remain a priority, this necessary debate has not taken place. The key provision of the plan, Article 69 regarding state guarantees, is scheduled for examination by the finance committee on Wednesday. Laisney expressed concern that the government might invoke Article 49.3 to pass the budget without a vote. Representatives from Attac, France Nature Environnement, Sud PTT, and the CGT union of the Caisse des dépôts group joined lawmakers from LFI, The Greens, and the Communist Party at the event. Notably, Communist senator Fabien Gay, who supports the six EPR2 reactors, opposes their financing through Livret A savings.
Sources: Le Figaro.