ZFE : ILS DÉCLARENT LA GUERRE À LA FRANCE RURALE

Summary

The video discusses the deployment of Low Emission Zones (ZFE) in major French cities, which restrict old, polluting vehicles from entering city centers. It argues this creates inequality, as peripheral, rural France with older cars is excluded from cities where wealthier residents can afford newer, electric cars. The video claims city elites benefit financially from pushing electric vehicle sales, while looking down on rural 'producteurs' (producers). It warns this seeds social division, though most avoid discussing this issue. The video urges re-valuing production and producers to resolve tensions between metropolitan and peripheral France.

Takeaways

• 😮 ZFEs (low emission zones) are being deployed in France's major metro areas, banning old diesel/gas cars from city centers. This affects millions in peripheral France.
• 😡 ZFEs are seen as unjust and socially divisive, creating 1st and 2nd class citizens based on car ownership.
• 🤔 The stated purpose is improving city air quality, but ZFEs also boost electric car sales financed by the state.
• 😠 Rural populations are disproportionately affected, being 73% of banned vehicle owners vs 27% in cities.
• 😒 Urbans see ZFEs as progress, wanting to keep pollution out while maintaining services.
• 😕 Rural populations see it as a declaration of war, being excluded and unwanted in their own country.
• 🤨 The rural vs urban opposition reflects an underlying social division between managers and producers.
• 😳 Elites have cultivated the idea cities are the sole creators of wealth, despising manual labor.
• 😱 As France deindustrialized, cities concentrated services, propagating myths about the productive class.
• 😡 The managerial class clings to power despite failures, increasing tension. Productive classes contest their legitimacy.

Q & A

What are low emission zones (ZFE in French)?

Low emission zones (ZFE) are areas in major French cities that ban older, more polluting vehicles from driving in certain areas or even passing through. Vehicles are categorized by emissions standards ( Crit'Air), with older vehicles banned.

When did the legislation establishing low emission zones first pass in France?

The legislation establishing low emission zones first passed in France in 2019 with the Transportation Orientation Law. It was then expanded in 2021 by the Climate and Resilience Law.

What justifications are given for establishing low emission zones?

The main justifications given are improving air quality in cities by reducing particulate matter emissions from vehicles. Climate change mitigation is sometimes mentioned but not the primary focus.

How do the restrictions in low emission zones vary between different cities?

The restrictions vary widely between cities in terms of which vehicles are banned, what times of day/days of the week the bans are in effect, which areas of the city are included, and whether highways through the city are exempt.

What fines can drivers face for violating the restrictions?

Fines start at 68 euros but can go up to 450 euros in some areas for the most polluting vehicles.

What criticisms and concerns have been raised about the low emission zones?

Major criticisms are that they restrict freedom of movement, punish lower income individuals who cannot afford newer cars, lack realistic timelines, and could spur protests like the Yellow Vests movement.

What is the perspective of the video creator regarding the motivations behind the zones?

The video creator believes they are being pushed by financial interests to boost electric vehicle sales and by urban elite who look down on rural citizens.

What warning does the video creator give about the potential backlash?

The warning is that if the restrictions go too far, it could spur major civil conflict between the urban elite and working class periphery who actually produce most of France's domestic goods.

What hypothetical form of protest by farmers is given?

The hypothetical is that farmers could retaliate by refusing to provide food and agricultural products to major cities like Paris.

How can people financially support the media channel creating this video?

People are encouraged to contribute financially via the Tipeee page linked in the video description, which allows them to choose a donation amount and frequency to support the channel's independent journalism.