French National Assembly Passes Symbolic Law to Nationalize ArcelorMittal France Amid Government Opposition

On November 27, 2025, the French National Assembly approved a law proposed by La France Insoumise (LFI) to nationalize approximately 40 ArcelorMittal sites in France, including key steel plants in Dunkerque and Fos-sur-Mer. This legislative move aims to protect 15,000 jobs threatened by a social plan announced earlier in April and to support the decarbonization of blast furnaces, considered essential for the future sustainability of steel production in France.

The vote concluded with 127 deputies in favor, 41 against, and abstentions from the far-right Rassemblement national (RN). The proposal found strong support from left-wing parties, with LFI celebrating the outcome as a "historic victory." However, the government opposed the bill, with Economy Minister Roland Lescure denouncing it as a "populist response" to structural challenges in the steel sector. Lescure emphasized that nationalization is not a "magic formula" and called for a clear industrial strategy instead. The government insists that solutions should be sought at the European level given competition from Asian steel imports.

The law’s adoption is largely seen as symbolic since it faces significant hurdles in the Senate, which is dominated by right-wing and centrist parties likely to oppose it. Members of the CGT union demonstrated outside the Assembly in support of the measure, underscoring the social and political tensions involved.

While the nationalization is estimated to cost around €3 billion, critics argue it will not fully resolve employment issues. The proposal’s passage reflects deeper debates about the future of French heavy industry amid economic and environmental challenges.