This is a measure that has been talked about since its introduction almost twenty years ago. In 2006, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin approved the government’s decision to privatize French highways.. At that time, it was about ensuring long-term maintenance and proper functioning of many highways. What costs the state too much. The unofficial reason was permission keep the government deficit below 3%. As the Government promised then.

At that time, France had three concessionary highway networks, which therefore belonged to the state. From the total number out of eighteen potential takeover candidates, two French and Spanish tenders were won. from, Vinci manages (among others) the former Autoroutes du Sud de la France (ASF). Eifage the Paris-Rhin-Rhône (APRR) motorway network. And at last the Spaniard Albertis Company of Motorways of the North and East of France (SANEF).

“We were wrong”

The conditions agreed at that time with the state were based on profitability of the system until 2032. It was a matter of joint agreement with the state to raise the duty rates every year ensure a balance between expenses and income at this time. But some road companies have concessions turned out to be more profitable than expected and, above all, earlier. During a meeting before the Finance and Sustainable Development Committees of the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 22, Bruno Le Maire admitted that the calculations made during the privatization of the motorways in 2006 were incorrect.. As interest rates fell sharply, concessionaires such as Vinci, Eiffage or Abertis were able to recoup their investments at a lower price, increasing their profitability. “We were wrong” recognized the Minister of Economy and Finance.

Shortening the period of validity of benefits and payment rates?

Therefore, the mayor is now planning to “shorten the validity period of the concession by several years.” According to him, this is “the path that seems to us to be legally the strongest and economically the most promising.” Deadlines, depending on the respective networks, fast forward ten years! The problem, the judge may face with such a measure, is that the profitability of the concessions is “reasonable”. Their early termination may force the state to pay compensation to the companies concerned.

Bruno Lemaire could also force said concessions to reduce customs rates by more than 60%. In order to bring its profitability in line with the forecasts made in 2006. This is the whole scandal of this case. Toll rates continued to rise, and some concessionaires were already profitable. This was announced by Minister of Transport Cleman Bon organization of “Assises des autoroutes” until this summerto explore different options and possible remedies