Overview
- Barbut, a former head of WWF France and ex-UN climate and biodiversity official, steps in for Agnès Pannier-Runacher in the Lecornu II government.
- Critics cite WWF positions under her leadership opposing nuclear power’s inclusion in the EU’s green taxonomy, prompting pushback from right-wing politicians.
- Responding on TF1, Barbut said she learned of the cited WWF document after the fact and vowed to support any energy sources that strengthen France’s sovereignty.
- Her brief comes as COP30 opens on November 10 in Belém, with pressure on Europe to finalize its emissions roadmap and on France to accelerate lagging cuts.
- The ministry’s scope remains constrained, with the energy portfolio handled at Bercy by Roland Lescure and industry minister Sébastien Martin, alongside tight budget debates.