French Prime Minister Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Heatwave Response

A motion of no-confidence has been proposed against French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government, stemming from criticism over its handling of a devastating heatwave. The record-breaking temperatures, which persisted for 11 days last month, are linked to at least 1,000 fatalities across France.

The Green Party spearheaded the motion, arguing that the government's response to the extreme heat was insufficient. Cécile Duflot, the Green Party's leader in the National Assembly, stated, "We will submit a motion of no-confidence against the Lecornu government. The government did not properly prepare for the heatwave. The reality in schools and hospitals today shows that the Lecornu government is incapable of managing the situation."

The intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), exposed vulnerabilities in French society. Many homes lack air conditioning, and a significant number of schools and hospitals were not designed to withstand such extreme temperatures. The Green Party is also demanding the formation of a committee to investigate the government's policies on climate change and heatwave preparedness.

While the Green Party has submitted the no-confidence motion to the National Assembly, its passage is uncertain. It would require the support of other opposition parties, such as the Socialist Party and the National Rally, which have not yet committed to backing the motion.

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We will submit a motion of no-confidence against the Lecornu government. The government did not properly prepare for the heatwave. The reality in schools and hospitals today shows that the Lecornu government is incapable of managing the situation.