Spain Media: “Air-Conditioning Battle” Hits French Politics

France’s perennially temperate climate means that air conditioning is not a summer necessity. Only 7% of households in France have AC. But this summer, a heatwave has turned the question of whether to install air conditioning into a political and cultural war. The right-wing party advocates the large-scale installation of air conditioners to make them popular among the public, while the left-wing strongly opposes it, arguing that the widespread use of air conditioners will aggravate the “heat island effect” and violate environmental protection standards. With August not yet over, the right-wing has apparently won a temporary victory in this war.

Heatwave Tests French Politics

In late July, the average temperature in Paris was 36 degrees Celsius, and temperatures in other French cities exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. The government issued heat warnings in many places. Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally party in parliament, announced that if the right-wing comes to power after the general election, the government will promote a “large-scale air conditioning installation plan”, and public places such as schools, orphanages and nursing homes will be given priority to install air conditioners. Le Pen reiterated the right-wing party’s political focus: the elite cannot enjoy the cool in air-conditioned rooms while the common people suffer in the heat.

The left-wing strongly opposes the right-wing party’s views. Guided by environmentalist principles, left-wing parties argue that France does not need more air conditioners but rather greener urban facilities and energy-efficient buildings. According to a report by French newspaper Libération, while it is understandable that people want quick relief from the unbearable heat, large-scale installation of air conditioners violates environmental principles and should be abandoned.

Right-wing Capitalizes on “Tangible” Well-being of The People

As the first round of political debates was winding down, France was hit by a second heatwave. Recently, temperatures in Lyon exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, while Dijon, near the Swiss border, reached 38 degrees Celsius. The scorching heat has driven a sharp increase in sales of air conditioning units, with people lining up to have them installed. Home appliance retailers are planning to expedite air freight imports of air conditioning equipment, even if it means doubling the cost. If, as left-wing parties claim, every consumption decision is a “political act,” then the surge in air conditioner sales amid the heatwave is undoubtedly a major blow to the left.

The right-wing has long recognized that what people need more is “tangible” well-being. For the public, the most immediate crises are closely tied to their quality of life. In developed countries, housing is expensive, wage growth is sluggish, and the economy lacks vitality; in some places, key pillars of the welfare state, such as healthcare and education, are already stretched beyond capacity. The scorching summer heat is akin to the last straw that breaks the camel’s back. In this context, Le Pen has framed the heatwave as a class struggle, a deep-seated conflict between the elites and the impoverished masses. Under this narrative, who would still believe the left’s moralizing about “restrained consumption” and “sacrificing for environmental protection”?

The Left Needs to Relax Its “Moralism”

Climate change is an indisputable reality, and we have a responsibility to mitigate its adverse effects—this is a principle we must uphold and not abandon. However, the left should cease its constant moral preaching. “Energy-efficient transportation” and “energy-efficient buildings” are key focuses of future urban planning. Yet, as highlighted in the new book Abundance by American progressive journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, it is time for left-wing parties to revisit their tradition of “working for the well-being and welfare of the middle and working classes.” The goal of the left should be to create a sufficiently abundant life for all: affordable housing, efficient trains, accessible healthy food, low-cost energy and medicine… and this should also include air conditioning to combat extreme heat.

If the left does not take the step of “stopping the preaching,” it will be very difficult to defeat right-wing parties. Whether the right can deliver on its promises remains uncertain, but the pledge to “install air conditioning” holds strong appeal for low-income groups. As a result, the left is in no easy position. The left’s decline in Western countries might even serve as a motivation to re-embrace the conveniences brought by social development. If the left wants to win elections, it must ease moralism and regulation while ensuring the comfort and prosperity of the populace.