Widespread Opposition Mounts Against High Voltage Power Line Project in Camargue

Over 2,500 people, including elected officials, farmers, environmentalists, and tourism professionals, gathered in Arles to protest the proposed very high voltage power line project intended to connect Gard and the industrial zone of Fos-sur-Mer. This diverse coalition fears the project could cause significant harm to the Camargue’s landscape, biodiversity, and tourism industry.

The large mobilization reflects growing concern about ecological and economic impacts, with opponents worried that the project could quickly receive government authorization despite these risks. Around 100 elected officials from various political backgrounds have joined forces with farmers and environmental activists to express their dissent.

Farmers in particular have escalated their resistance by denying the electricity transmission company RTE access to their lands. This act of defiance has legal consequences, as farmers face a court summons scheduled for September 21 before the administrative court. The opposition warns that if the State remains determined to push the project forward, they “will have nothing left to lose,” signaling potential further escalations.

The Camargue region, known for its unique ecosystems and reliance on tourism and agriculture, stands at the center of this contentious debate. Those opposing the electrical line emphasize the importance of preserving the area's natural and economic resources against infrastructural developments they view as threatening.

This growing unified front against the power line project highlights tensions between development priorities and environmental protection, with local communities and elected representatives vocal in their call for reconsideration and greater scrutiny before any project approval.