Heatwave: Before summer, Lecornu 'alerts' his ministers who could be deprived of holidays

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has issued a stark warning to his government ministers: summer holidays may be canceled this year. The alert comes amid a confluence of crises, including an exceptional heatwave that has gripped the nation, leading to record-breaking temperatures and widespread concern.

Temperatures across France have been steadily climbing for the past week, with Tuesday marking the hottest day recorded since 1947. More than half of the country is currently under a red alert for extreme heat, a situation compounded by other ongoing issues such as fuel price hikes and the Lyhanna affair. This volatile environment has created significant uncertainty regarding the government's ability to take extended leave.

Ministers have reportedly been slow to receive clear directives on vacation plans, which traditionally begin in early August. Lecornu informed the cabinets of the 34 government members that visibility on the duration of these crises, including the heatwave and potential for further heatwaves in July, remains limited. This lack of clarity suggests that a scenario without ministerial holidays is a distinct possibility.

While emphasizing the need for rest, Lecornu has stipulated that any authorized leave must be taken within France. This directive follows a previous instruction in the spring requiring all foreign travel to be declared. The government's heightened caution regarding ministerial vacations appears to be influenced by the public outcry in 2003, when the then-Health Minister Jean-François Mattei faced severe criticism and ultimately resigned after being photographed on vacation during a deadly heatwave that claimed 15,000 lives. The memory of that communication misstep underscores the current administration's sensitivity to appearances during times of national distress.