Gabriel Attal proposes massive water management plan for France

Gabriel Attal, leader of the Renaissance party and presidential candidate, has unveiled a massive plan for water management in response to France's severe drought and declining groundwater levels. The proposal focuses on several key pillars: fighting waste, ensuring affordability, and improving infrastructure.

To combat waste, Attal aims to recover 1,000 billion liters of water by 2035 by reducing leaks in distribution networks. He proposes providing turnkey financing and diagnostics for the 500 most inefficient local networks. He also plans to simplify administrative hurdles to make the reuse of wastewater automatic, citing Spain's success in the sector.

To protect consumers, the plan includes a "tariff shield" to guarantee low, fixed prices for essential water usage, targeting middle and lower-income households. Additionally, Attal proposes the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Water and seeks to double fines for drought regulation violations to €3,000 for individuals and €15,000 for companies.

As part of his campaign, Attal is visiting drought-stricken regions, including the Pyrénées-Orientales, to engage with farmers and local officials regarding these ecological and economic challenges.