Transports
Freight, night trains, small line… A stimulus plan that is still too weak
SNCF is the major beneficiary of the transport component of the plan, with 4.7 billion euros in aid. But that will not be enough to revive freight, small lines, night trains … while the group announces a loss of 4 billion due to the Covid crisis.
Some 30 billion euros over two years: the government does not skimp on the means to “green” its recovery plan. Nothing to do, it is argued in ministerial cabinets, with the 2008 stimulus plan (35 billion euros) which contained almost no ecological measures. Decided to keep its promise to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, the executive has therefore made it a priority to decarbonize the sectors that emit the most greenhouse gases. By targeting mainly transport (11 billion euros), energy renovation of buildings (7 billion) and support for companies in their energy transition (9 billion). Difficult to estimate, the government is advancing a reduction of 57 million tonnes of CO2 thanks to its plan.
The most visible part for public opinion concerns the boost of 2 billion given to MaPrimeRénov, for the private housing stock and now eligible for all French people. With regard to thermal renovation, it is the State and local communities that will be responsible for bringing universities and public buildings up to green standards with aid of 4 billion euros.
