Patrick Pouyanné

Press investigations alleged that Mozambican soldiers providing security around the Mozambique LNG project had committed abuses in 2021. At the project's request, Mozambican prosecutors opened a criminal investigation in 2025. A complaint was subsequently filed in France against persons unknown and TotalEnergies alleging complicity in war crimes, torture and enforced disappearances.

State of the evidence

Allegations

On 25 June 2026, the Paris Judicial Court ordered TotalEnergies to supplement its vigilance plan within six months to include risks associated with indirect emissions resulting from use of its products, known as Scope 3.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Person targeted by the proceedings

TotalEnergies

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

In September 2025, the Paris Judicial Court ordered TotalEnergies to disclose key documents concerning implementation of its vigilance plan for the EACOP/Tilenga megaproject. Meanwhile, some investors reduced their exposure to the group, citing human and environmental risks linked to the project.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

A group of international investors called in 2024 for TotalEnergies to separate the roles of board chairman and chief executive, both held by Patrick Pouyanné. The investors argued that an independent chairman would improve climate dialogue and the balance of power.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

French and Ugandan NGOs brought proceedings against TotalEnergies concerning the Tilenga and EACOP projects, citing risks to communities, biodiversity and the climate under the French duty of vigilance law. In February 2023, the Paris Judicial Court declared the urgent application inadmissible for procedural reasons, including issues concerning the prior formal notice.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

TotalEnergies' record profits during the energy crisis fuelled an intense political debate about 'windfall profits'. Patrick Pouyanné challenged the idea of an exceptional tax specific to energy companies and emphasised investment, taxes already paid and discounts provided to consumers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

TotalEnergies' 2023 annual general meeting took place amid intense tension and protests by environmental activists opposed to new oil and gas projects. Nearly 30 % of shareholders supported an advisory resolution calling for a faster reduction in emissions from products sold.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Following the invasion of Ukraine, TotalEnergies declined for several months to withdraw completely from Russia, retaining stakes in Novatek and liquefied natural gas projects, among other investments. Patrick Pouyanné defended a strategy of gradually withdrawing from oil assets while maintaining LNG interests in the name of European energy security.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Amid refinery strikes over wages, Patrick Pouyanné's remuneration caused significant controversy following publication of an increase of approximately 52 % between 2020 and 2021, after his remuneration had been reduced during the pandemic in 2020. Politicians and union representatives condemned the contrast with employees' wage demands.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated