Finance
Far-right files no-confidence motion against French PM over new energy law
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Summary
France’s far-right RN filed a no-confidence motion against PM Sébastien Lecornu over a new energy law. The Socialists won’t back it, so it’s unlikely to pass. The plan scales back renewables and reinforces nuclear power.
Far Right Launches No-Confidence Bid Over France’s New Energy Law
Political Fight Over France’s Energy Strategy
PARIS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - France's far-right National Rally (RN) party submitted a no-confidence motion on Monday against the government following the adoption of a new energy law, which outlines long-term energy targets.
Prospects for the Motion
The motion is unlikely to succeed, however, with the Socialist Party - a crucial swing vote in the fragmented assembly - indicating it will not support the effort.
EDF and Nuclear Reactor Mandate
What the Energy Plan Changes
France unveiled a long-delayed energy strategy this month that scaled down renewable energy goals and eased pressure on the state-run utility EDF by reversing a mandate to shut down 14 nuclear reactors.
RN’s Criticism and Price Concerns
RN leader Marine Le Pen has accused the government of bypassing parliamentary oversight by implementing the plan through decree, saying it will drive up energy prices and push higher costs onto households and businesses.
Government’s Minority and Recent Votes
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government, which lacks a parliamentary majority, survived two no-confidence votes this month after pushing a delayed budget through the National Assembly.
Quote from Jerome Guedj
Socialist Party Position
Socialist lawmaker Jerome Guedj told France Info radio that the party had "negotiated with the government to bring stability, not to have chaos", and did not plan to support the no-confidence motion.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Key Takeaways
- •France’s National Rally filed a no-confidence motion after adoption of a new energy law.
- •The Socialist Party signals it won’t support the motion, making passage unlikely.
- •New energy strategy trims renewable targets and drops the plan to shut 14 nuclear reactors.
- •PM Sébastien Lecornu leads a minority government that recently survived two censure votes.
- •Marine Le Pen says ruling by decree sidesteps parliament and will raise energy costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Far-right files no-confidence motion against French PM over new energy law
1What is the main topic?
France’s far-right National Rally filed a no-confidence motion against the government over a new energy law that scales back renewable targets and reinforces nuclear power.
2Why is the motion unlikely to pass?
The Socialist Party, a key swing bloc in the fragmented assembly, has indicated it will not support the motion, leaving the far right without enough votes.
3What changes are in the new energy law?
France’s strategy reduces renewable energy targets and abandons the previous plan to shutter 14 nuclear reactors, easing pressure on EDF and emphasizing nuclear capacity.
