France’s heatwave politics: Far-right leader Le Pen proposes massive AC plan ahead of 2027 election

The proposal comes as France grapples with scorching summer temperatures and a long-standing reluctance to adopt widespread air conditioning, a cultural preference and sense of pride shared across much of Europe, where cooling systems are often viewed as environmentally unfriendly.

According to France’s national environment agency Ademe, only 25 per cent of French homes had air conditioning in 2020 which was 14 per cent up from 2016.

But Le Pen has faced strong political criticism for her proposal. Ecological transition minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher dismissed air conditioning as an inadequate adaptation to climate change, warning that such systems heat the streets and contribute to urban heat islands.

“You’re cooling one room but heating another,” she said, adding that France should prioritise building insulation and green urban planning over widespread AC installation.

Green party leader Marine Tondelier echoed the criticism, accusing Le Pen of reducing environmental policy to buying air conditioning units, and calling for structural reforms like planting trees and upgrading buildings.

A study from 2020 on Paris air conditioning warned that massive use of AC often vents hot air onto the streets and could intensify heatwaves by several degrees Celsius.

Nonetheless, support for cooling systems is quietly growing among French households as heatwaves become more common with more people opting for ACs but they come with a set of rules.

Here are France’s air conditioning rules:

Planning Approval

• Detached homes: A declaration is needed if façade changes
• Apartments: Co-owner consent + declaration may be required
• Balconies: Usually exempt

Noise Limits

• Max: 25 dB (day), 20 dB (night)
• Keep 3–10m distance from neighbours
• Fines possible for violations

Certified Installation

• Only by licensed professionals
• Monobloc (portable) units are exempt

Environmental Rules (RE2020)

• Max energy use: 50 kWh/m²/year
• Good insulation essential
• Heat pumps may get subsidies
• Use AC only if temp >26°C

Mandatory maintenance

For units with >2kg refrigerant or >12kW:

• Check in Year 1, then every 5 years
• Must get certificate

EU Compliance

Must display:

• Power (kW)
• Noise (dB)
• SEER / SCOP ratings

Cost
Total (incl. installation): €700–€6,000 (Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh)