Written by Amanda Froelich at trueactivist.com
France is on a roll. First it passed legislation banning stores from wasting food, then news surfaced of the instigator behind that movement aspiring to take it global, and now the county’s court has just ruled that it is unconstitutional to cut anybody off from water even if they are unable to pay for it.
What this ruling means is that companies will have no choice but to continue serving water to households even if they cannot afford to pay their bill.
As InvestmentWatchBlog.com reports:
The Constitutional Council has validated Friday a total ban on water cuts introduced into French law in 2013 but contested by the Saur distributor. The Council “held that the interference with freedom of contract and freedom of enterprise resulting from the prohibition of interrupting the water supply is not manifestly disproportionate to the objective pursued by the legislature “he said in a decision published on its website.
Saur company had filed a priority question of constitutionality (QPC) after being sued for a water cut performed on one of its customers in Picardy. The Constitutional Council “rejected the objections” of water dispenser, which denounced “a disproportionate interference with freedom of contract and freedom of enterprise.”
Brottes the law of 15 April 2013, of which the implementing decree of 27 February 2014 prohibits any distributor to cut the water supply in a principal residence even if unpaid, and that throughout the year . The same law also established the principle of winter break for electricity and gas for the benefit of all consumers irrespective of income.
As water is a basic necessity for life, should access always be offered to those in need – regardless if they can pay for it ? Share your opinion in the comments section below.
It’s a great news, and I personally think it should be the case everywhere in the world.
You must know that we also have a law that prevent gaz and electricity companies to cut it between November and March (cuz it’s a cold period) even if you didn’t pay your bill (this is still uncommon and only happens to poorest people)
My “water” bill is due on the 25th of every month. The bill is delivered to my door around the 15th, but as late as the 22nd of the month. If it is not paid by the first then my water is turned off. Not only does the bill have to be paid in full but also an additional fee to turn it back on which ranges from $15 to $75. Perhaps the US and specifically NC could learn something from is article.
At first: you are right. I agree
The problem is within your paying-system.
I am from Germany and there are no problems with paying at all.
Those firms that provide energy, water, gas and internet etc. all have my bank-account-id and are allowed to transfer money each month.
I get a bill once a year. It is fully automated and it is sooooo comfortable.
I don’t understand why it is sooo crazy in the US.
Is it everywhere like that ? I’ve heard the same from other ppl, but didn’t want to believe that you handle it like that there
Yes, water is life, and water is an essential need. So anybody who cuts water can kill someone who is poor, and can make him have even more essential problems.
So fuck liberalism.
I once read this comment: why must a race pay to live and thrive on a planet in which that race is indigenous?
In Greece also wanted to sell the pubic water ,people made protests, and G, afaraid to do so
Yes, how could they dose the poor with their toxins they put in the water, If they shut them off? 🙂
I agree.. dumping sodium fluoride will impair their cognitive ability! Who started it? The Zionist (Nazi Socialist Party).
Good news, but I’m a bit lost on the exact dimensions of this law – maybe somebody could elaborate..
> how far reaching is the Constitutional Council; does this law thereby apply to all French companies abroad too?
> can some1 find the exact law? cuz the way I see it there just must be some sub-rulings, otherwise it means free water for all, and that’s not feasible.
Thanks
In British Columbia the water bill is included in your house taxes. Water consumption is monitored though and if it is excessive use you are fined. Seems far enough to me. Gotta pay for it somehow.
I can agree with this water is pretty important. I’m all for capitalism, but crony capitalism leads to things like water control & that’s bad. However, that whole forcing companies to donate food doesn’t sit right with me. Donating food is wonderful, but the whole forcing people to do it not so wonderful.