It was widely expected that France would not let go of nuclear energy. No other country in the world gets so much of its power from the nuclear sector, and at the same time France is a frontrunner in nuclear technology, trying to sell it not only at home, but also worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of French people work for nuclear companies.
Whether or not Macron remains president after this spring’s election will change little of that strategy. Most candidates with any chance at the Elysée are on the same nuclear line, because it is in the interests of the country. The major energy groups such as producer EDF and constructor Framatome are closely linked to French politics. EDF – one of the largest energy producers in the world – is the main shareholder of Framatome and is partly owned by the French government.
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