Le Pen Criticizes Government’s Handling of Heat Wave Amid Lack of Air Conditioning
Marine Le Pen has sharply criticized the French government for its response to the ongoing heat wave, particularly regarding the lack of air conditioning in public institutions. In a recent post on X, she claimed that the government is disregarding the discomfort of ordinary citizens while favoring elites who have access to cooling air. Le Pen’s statements come amidst rising temperatures that have affected the country, leading her to frame the situation as a political issue, reports 24brussels.
“It’s crazy to tell families to stop working from one day to the next because schools can’t take our kids anymore, while telling them to go to the local movie theater, which is air-conditioned,” she stated.
Frédéric Falcon, a lawmaker representing Le Pen’s National Rally, emphasized the necessity of expanding air conditioning access, targeting installations in schools, retirement homes, and private residences. He noted that “we are way behind Southern Europe, including the South of France.”
The disparity in air conditioning access in Europe compared to regions such as the United States and Japan comes at a time when climate change has made Europe the fastest-warming continent globally. Although traditionally, the French have not embraced air conditioning in significant numbers, the recent heat waves are prompting more households to consider installing cooling systems.
The French government has been focused on reducing national electricity consumption since the onset of the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while also increasing investments in nuclear energy. In response to the current heat wave, authorities have aimed to equip strategic buildings and public transport with cooling solutions. However, they are also emphasizing alternative methods to manage temperature without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. These include increasing urban greenery, improving building insulation, and pursuing innovative cooling technologies, such as the geothermal system being implemented in the Olympic Village.
