© CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFPAt a bakery in Paris: Impacted by rising energy prices, bakeries are set to receive emergency aid from the French government - which wants the dough to keep rising, not electricity bills.
Comment: They think that putting the bakers further into debt is the answer?
In another announcement, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said bakers would be able to terminate their electricity supply contract free of charge in the event of a "prohibitive" price increase that "threatens the survival of the business."
Comment: All suppliers are charging exorbitant fees, even when the wholesale price drops, so if businesses cancel their contract, then what? How is that actually helpful? If anything it's encouraging businesses to just shut up shop.
However, this "exceptional" measure will be applied "on a case-by-case basis" by energy companies, Mr. Le Maire warned at the end of a meeting at the Interior Ministry with electricity suppliers TotalEnergies, EDF, Engie and the National Association of Retail Energy Operators (Anode), which groups together alternative operators.
Comment: This 'help' is at best is merely a token gesture that might temporarily appease (or fool) some, but what of the struggling families? What of the desperately needed professionals, such as France's doctors who have just extended their strike over deteriorating working conditions and pay?
The only real change Europe has seen during the lockdown years is that living standards have plummeted; and in response to this, France's Yellow Vest protests, that were actually interrupted by the contrived coronavirus crisis, are planning on reviving them this Saturday, and it's likely that this will be the first of many, many more to come.