The European Union wants to extend the carbon quota system (ETS) to road transport and residential heating through the ETS2 mechanism, to encourage citizens to change their behaviour. But for Georges-Louis Bouchez, MR President, this approach is both unfair and ineffective.
“When you have no alternative, you just have to bear it. No public transport? No insulated housing? Citizens still pay,” he denounces.
According to Commission figures, ETS2 would represent 0.4% of GDP in additional taxation. Concretely, that means an extra €150 net per month for every household! An unsustainable burden for families, self-employed workers and the middle class.
“We won't save the climate by punishing those who have no choice,” insists Georges-Louis Bouchez. “The transition must be supported, not imposed.”
The MR calls for a revision of the mechanism: incentives to renovate, invest and innovate. No additional taxes without alternative solutions. The climate is not protected by weakening citizens.