This measure, announced on the eve of the election year and amid renewed concern about purchasing power, could cost the government 12 billion euros, a figure that triples initial estimates by the cabinet in September due to the unstoppable increasing trend.

Without explaining where the money would come from to compensate electricity companies, Pompili insisted that “whatever happens, the State will protect” consumers, because although this may turn expensive, “it is never crazy to stand for our fellow citizens at times of crisis”.

At the same time, she urged all citizens to “consume less energy”, in particular by speeding up the renovation and insulation of buildings for which there is state subsidy.

mh/lcr/gas/acm