Macron Ousts EDF CEO Amid Rising Business Complaints

Emmanuel Macron has removed Luc Rémont as CEO of the state-run utility EDF amid growing discontent from French industrialists over high electricity prices. The decision follows criticism from industry leaders, including Benoît Bazin of Saint-Gobain, who accused EDF of neglecting the needs of manufacturers facing stiff international competition. Bernard Fontana, currently the senior executive vice president at EDF, is poised to succeed Rémont, pending parliamentary approval. This leadership change is part of a broader strategy as EDF prepares to construct six new nuclear reactors, a project crucial to France's energy future. The transition comes as EDF faces pressures to maintain competitive pricing and secure long-term power agreements while managing its nuclear fleet. The expiration of regulations requiring EDF to sell a portion of its output at discounted rates has further intensified the urgency for reform within the company.