Crit'Air 3 Vehicles Ban Sparks Concerns Among Paris SMEs
The impending ban on Crit'Air 3 vehicles in Greater Paris, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, has raised alarms among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Île-de-France region. Five employers' organizations, including CPME and Umih, have expressed their concerns regarding the potential economic impact of this regulation, which aims to tighten the existing low-emission zone (ZFE) that currently restricts access to older vehicles.
The ZFE, initially established in 2015, has progressively expanded its restrictions. The upcoming ban will affect approximately 422,000 private cars and 59,000 professional vehicles classified as Crit'Air 3, which includes certain diesel and petrol models registered between 1997 and 2010. Business leaders argue that this move could exacerbate the challenges faced by the hotel, retail, and craft industries, especially as the number of business failures in France has surged by over 25% in the past year.
Bernard Cohen-Hadad, president of CPME Paris-IDF, emphasized the need for flexibility and support for businesses struggling to transition to electric vehicles, which can cost upwards of €15,000. The organizations are urging the government to extend exemptions for trades that rely heavily on vehicle access, particularly those with limited public transport options during off-peak hours.
Discrimination Against Afghan Journalist Raises Press Freedom Concerns
In a separate incident highlighting issues of discrimination and press freedom in France, Noorullah Shirzada, an Afghan journalist working for France 3, was barred from covering a ministerial visit to the Nogent-sur-Seine nuclear power plant due to his nationality. This incident occurred on November 8, 2024, and has sparked outrage among his colleagues and press freedom advocates.
Shirzada, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover, expressed his disbelief at being treated as a second-class citizen in France. Despite holding a valid residence permit and a French press card, he was informed that his access was denied based on an unfavorable opinion from a senior defense and security official. His editorial team and organizations like Reporters Without Borders have condemned this action, calling it an attack on press freedom and a discriminatory practice that should not be tolerated.
Government Response to Economic and Press Freedom Issues
As the government faces mounting pressure from both business leaders and journalists, the situation in Greater Paris and the treatment of Shirzada reflect broader challenges regarding public policy and civil rights. The authorities are currently reviewing the ZFE regulations and considering the extension of exemptions for affected businesses, while also addressing the concerns raised by the press regarding Shirzada's treatment. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to be announced soon, as stakeholders seek to balance environmental goals with economic viability and the protection of press freedoms.
