ArcelorMittal: Second Discussion on Nationalization in the French Parliament

Paris – 11.06.2026: On June 11, 2026, the second reading of the draft law to nationalize ArcelorMittal France took place in the French National Assembly. After being initially approved in November 2025 and rejected by the Senate in February 2026, the project continued to be debated. This rereading was accompanied by the CGT union and left-wing deputies, who had previously expressed their support through a demonstration.

The demonstration in front of the National Assembly was organized by CGT ArcelorMittal and the CGT Federation of the Mechanical Industry. Hundreds of people participated, including workers from French steel plants and representatives of left-wing parties such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Clémentine Autain, François Ruffin, Benjamin Lucas, and Raphaël Arnault. Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the CGT, also supported the demonstration. They called for increased state control over the giant steel corporation to ensure jobs in the industry and strengthen France’s industrial sovereignty.

The legislative initiative was presented by deputy Aurélie Trouvé and members of the La France Insoumise-New Popular Front faction. The law envisions nationalizing the company, combined with the establishment of a commission to assess the company’s value to consider the state’s purchase possibility. Supporters argue that state control is necessary to guarantee steel production in France over the long term.

Meanwhile, opponents from the government and the Senate warned about financial burdens and the risk of losing competitive advantage in the industry. Instead of nationalization, they propose investing in environmentally friendly technologies such as decarbonization.

Despite the controversies, the National Assembly continued to approve the bill. The final decision now rests with the Senate, which had rejected it during the first reading. If the Senate agrees, this will be an important step in France’s industrial policy.

ArcelorMittal emphasized its investment strategy, for example, building an electric furnace with a budget of 1.3 billion euros in Dunkirk, and stated that nationalization will not solve the industry’s challenges. The company still considers itself an important player in steel production in France.

The debate on the nationalization of ArcelorMittal shapes the discussion about the future of France’s industry, particularly regarding competitiveness, sustainability, and state intervention. In the coming weeks, the decision of the Senate is eagerly awaited as it will determine the direction of national industrial policy.

This confrontation clarifies the broader challenges that the French steel industry faces, especially regarding economic stability, ecological transition, and political management. The outcome could become a model for other industries and reshape how the state handles key industries.