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French Senate Passes Controversial A69 Highway Validation Law

The legislation aims to override a court ruling halting construction, raising constitutional concerns and intensifying environmental opposition.

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Le chantier de l'A69 à l’arrêt, le 4 mars 2025.
Près de 400 militants anti-A69 ont célébré sur la place du Capitole la décision du tribunal administratif de Toulouse d'annuler le chantier d'autoroute entre Castres et Toulouse, 27 fevrier 2025.
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Overview

  • The French Senate adopted a validation law on May 15, 2025, to retroactively authorize environmental permits for the A69 highway project after they were annulled by a Toulouse court in February.
  • Proponents argue the highway is essential for connecting the Castres-Mazamet region and avoiding significant financial losses, with €300 million already invested and daily suspension costs estimated at €200,000.
  • The law’s constitutionality will likely be challenged by opponents, who claim it violates the separation of powers and sets a dangerous precedent for bypassing judicial decisions.
  • The National Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bill on June 2, while the Toulouse appeals court will review a separate government request to resume construction on May 21.
  • Environmental groups and some lawmakers continue to oppose the project, citing insufficient public interest to justify its ecological impact and high toll costs for users.