In Alsace, a wind of citizen mobilization blows against a project for a truck tax that could upset the economic balance of the region. This Monday, around forty economic actors, supported by the strength of a hundred trucks, gathered to express their distrust towards a measure deemed unacceptable. With the establishment of a R pass system planned for 2027, concerns are growing about the potential repercussions on the road transport sector, already struggling with many difficulties.
In Alsace, a rebellion arises against a project for a truck tax, an initiative that could have disastrous consequences for the local economy. Economic actors, bolstered by justice-seeking transporters, are coming together to make their voices heard. The mobilization takes the form of a slow-moving operation across the region, demonstrating the extent of the worry regarding this heavy taxation.
A significant slow-moving operation
On the 7th of last month, a collective composed of around forty economic actors allied with road transporters to organize a slow-moving operation. This symbolic action gathered a hundred trucks, slowly winding along the Alsatian roads to protest against the implementation of this new tax. The image of these trucks united in their fight is eloquent: a community that refuses to be sacrificed on the altar of a taxation deemed unjust.
The R-PASS tax project and its repercussions
This truck tax project known as R-PASS is supported by the European Community of Alsace and could come into effect as early as 2027. Initially perceived as a solution to unclog the roads, this measure quickly transforms into a thorn in the side of local businesses. According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of Alsatians support the taxation, but many express doubts about the economic consequences of such a decision.
The fears of Alsatian transporters
The Alsatian transporters feel threatened by this initiative today. They fear that the imposition of a new tax on trucks over 3.5 tons will lead to the end of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises. This concern is not unfounded: as the competitiveness of local companies is already being compromised, this measure could ring the death knell for their economic survival. The declaration from FNTR Alsace, referring to a criminal tax for Alsatian companies, perfectly summarizes this state of mind.
Elected officials and lobbies in action
Behind this battle lies significant political and economic stakes. Local elected officials, themselves divided, juggle between citizen pressure and economic interests. On one hand, voices rise in favor of the tax, justified by a desire to regulate traffic on Alsatian highways, where 51% of trucks are in transit. On the other hand, resistance is forming among transport lobbies, which denounce a taxation that would only exacerbate the burden on already beleaguered companies.
Citizen mobilization, key to resistance
Despite the fears and divisions, a citizen mobilization seems to be emerging in Alsace. Economic actors are uniting in a collective dynamic, seeking to articulate their demands and to raise awareness among authorities about the harmful consequences of this taxation. By mobilizing citizens and gathering transporters for demonstrations like the slow-moving operation, this movement shows that it is possible to make one’s voice heard against decisions deemed arbitrary.
The coming months are expected to be decisive for the future of road transport in Alsace and for the outcome of this citizen struggle. The final decision regarding the truck tax will be made very soon, but the current mobilization could well influence the discourse of elected officials and defend the interests of local businesses against this growing pressure.
- Date of mobilization: Monday, June 7
- Type of action: Slow-moving operation
- Participants: Around forty economic actors and a hundred trucks
- Project name: R-PASS Tax
- Objective of the tax: Unclog the A35
- Applicability: Planned for 2027
- Public support: 80% of Alsatians favorable according to a study
- Divergent opinions: Tax deemed “criminal” by some economic actors
- Estimated impact: Risk of closure for thousands of Alsatian companies
- Transporters’ mobilization: Demand to cancel the tax