French government readies rollnecks as energy crisis bites

As energy-saving measures spread in French homes and offices, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Tuesday he would set an example by swapping his usual shirt and tie for a rollneck to scrimp on heating.

The 53-year-old promised that radiators would only be turned on at the vast economy and finance ministry in eastern Paris once the inside temperature dipped below 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) — in line with government guidance.

“You won’t see me any more with a tie but in a rollneck instead,” he told France Inter radio, betraying no sympathy for the prospect of shivering bureaucrats.

“That will enable us to save money and demonstrate our sobriety. It’s the best way of getting through the winter without having to cut energy for anyone,” he added.

With France facing energy shortages linked to the war in Ukraine, ministries are under strict instructions to set an example to the rest of the country, with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne even switching off the air-conditioning in her office over the summer.

Many schools have informed pupils that the heating will be turned down or switched on later than usual this winter, while the University of Strasbourg in eastern France has announced longer Christmas holidays to save on its electricity bills.

Paris is also switching off the lights illuminating city monuments hours earlier than usual, while power-hungry Christmas displays will also be under threat later in the year.

France generates most of its electricity from nuclear power, but is struggling with half of its production capacity offline because of corrosion problems and maintenance at its reactors.

Millions of people rely on gas for heating and cooking in their homes or offices, with supplies dwindling due to Russia’s decision to reduce deliveries to Europe.

In further bad news for European consumers, the two Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia and Europe have been hit by unexplained leaks, raising suspicions of sabotage.