French Parliament Votes to Abolish Nationwide Low-Emission Zones

France's National Assembly voted to abolish low-emission zones (ZFEs), which restrict older, more polluting vehicles in major cities to reduce air pollution, despite government opposition. The measure, supported by a diverse coalition including far-right, conservative, left-wing, and some presidential party MPs, passed 98-51 and reflects widespread criticism that ZFEs disproportionately burden lower-income citizens who cannot afford cleaner cars. Introduced in 2019 and extended to all urban areas with populations over 150,000, ZFEs require vehicles to display a Crit'Air sticker categorizing emissions, with restrictions tightening in cities like Paris and Lyon. Opponents have framed the zones as socially unfair, calling them "no-rights zones" and arguing that environmental policies have become elitist, while supporters point to the zones' effectiveness in reducing pollution and premature deaths. The vote signals a significant political setback for these climate measures and may lead to the zones' repeal, pending Senate approval and potential constitutional challenges. Critics argue the anti-pollution strategy failed to address social equity, while proponents emphasize the environmental necessity of such measures.