French government convenes emergency meeting on southwest wildfires

Severe wildfires sweeping the Landes and Gironde departments have forced the evacuation of more than 220,000 residents and disrupted tourism, energy and telecom services. On Monday, the French government will hold an urgent summit at Bercy, bringing together Economy Minister Roland Lescure, Commerce Minister Serge Papin, Energy Deputy Minister Maud Bregeon, Industry Minister Sébastien Martin and Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff. The talks aim to assess damage, identify priority needs and mobilise support mechanisms for businesses affected by the fires.

The hospitality and independent‑worker sector has been offered specific aid. The hospitality‑restaurant union (UMIH) announced a €1,500 grant for eligible enterprises, alongside tax‑payment deferrals from Urssaf and provisional contribution reductions for those expecting lower turnover. The CPSTI also introduced an emergency assistance program of up to €2,000 for self‑employed victims. These measures are intended to help the thousands of artisans, traders and liberal professionals whose activities have been halted by the disaster.