Overview
- Deputies questioned Jean Castex on Wednesday before a commission vote expected to validate his appointment unless three fifths of combined Assembly and Senate members oppose it.
- He framed the challenge as an investment wall, a capacity shortfall and ecological transition pressures, urging the SNCF to “make group” as high-speed rivals like Trenitalia and Renfe expand.
- Castex said regeneration spending would rise from about €3 billion to €4.5 billion per year with SNCF contributing, with near-term state support and a highway-sector contribution envisaged after 2032.
- He reaffirmed interest in reviving night trains, floated exploring overnight use of high-speed lines as a potential test, and cited the Paris–Berlin night link and the troubled Paris–Clermont-Ferrand route as early priorities.
- Outlining his method, he pledged dialogue with rail workers, regions and passengers, promised to elevate the role of users, and pointed to goals of more trains, better trains and a stronger high-speed strategy without neglecting local lines.