France rides on fumes? Electricity production has dropped as a result of the energy industry strike

According to the data of the French EDF, electricity production was reduced on Wednesday morning by 2.6 gigawatts, because employees reduced the output power as part of the protest in the energy sector. Protest participants demanded a salary increase.

The protest began on Tuesday. Trade unions called for him in concerns belonging to the electricity and gas sector. On Wednesday, the production of nuclear energy showed a decrease of 2.1 gigawat, and water energy – by 510 megawatts.

Sector employees criticize not only the amount of salaries, but also an increase in the VAT rate – with 5.5 percent. up to 20 percent – for subscription fees for electricity and gas. This means an increase in energy prices for consumers.

The protest in the energy sector was inscribed in a wider mobilization against the savings draft budget for 2026. In July, the draft budget was presented by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, but the solutions contained in it caused criticism of the whole opposition, which decided that it burdens less wealthy social groups. The main trade unions were announced by strike actions and demonstrations on September 10 and 18.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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