Climate, sea, nuclear safety: Christophe Béchu expands his portfolio

“There is no less attribution, there are more attributions”, underlined those around him in a presentation to the press, welcoming “a portfolio which is expanding towards biodiversity via the oceans, energy efficiency and the climate to continue to provide coherence".

According to the JO, the minister is now responsible for “the fight against climate change”, thus taking over prerogatives from the former Ministry of Energy Transition, which has now disappeared.

It now deals with "greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, in particular the renovation and energy performance of buildings, decarbonization and adaptation to climate change", specifies the text.

If Bercy mainly deals with energy, Christophe Béchu for his part takes over - by involving the Ministry of the Economy - "the policy on nuclear safety and security".

This at a time when the government is carrying out a contested project to merge the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), author of decisions on power plants, and the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), expert in the sector.

He also exercises his authority over the General Directorate of Energy and Climate (DGEC), a key administration, within the limits of its responsibilities, jointly with the Minister of the Economy, specifies the JO.

“In terms of international relations on terrestrial and marine biodiversity, the environment and the circular economy, he represents the Prime Minister, responsible for ecological and energy planning, in European and international negotiations,” says the text, which does not explicitly mention the climate COPs, the next edition of which (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan.

“Christophe Béchu will obviously be present at COP29 and at the heart of the negotiations,” said his office, recalling that the French position was the result of interministerial work coordinated by the Quai d’Orsay, while the European Union ( EU) then negotiates on behalf of all member states.

“In the geopolitical context specific to COP29 and the country in which it is held, the diplomatic issues will obviously be reinforced and justify even greater involvement of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs,” we add.

Christophe Béchu also now deals with the Sea, with the disappearance of the Secretary of State attached to Matignon dedicated to this subject, in particular "policy regarding maritime fisheries", involving the Ministry of Agriculture.

“It creates real bridges between biodiversity and the sea, the protection of the oceans obviously, with the perspective also of the fight against plastics,” underlines those around him.