Paris – 24.06.2026: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has discussed in an internal letter to the ministers of his cabinet the possibility of an intense work summer without regular vacation times. The background is the ongoing heatwave currently affecting France. In the letter, Lecornu urges his ministers to prepare for a scenario in which “there will be no real holidays.” This measure aims to maintain the government’s capacity to act during extreme weather conditions.
The decision to suspend the summer vacation of the ministers was made to ensure that the government is able to respond quickly to the challenges posed by the heatwave. France is currently experiencing one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures reaching record highs in many regions. These extreme conditions have already led to numerous health emergencies and increased strain on the healthcare system.
In his letter, Lecornu stresses the necessity for the ministers to remain available and operational during this critical time. He refers to experiences in previous years when similar measures were taken to respond to exceptional weather conditions. However, the decision to suspend vacations was not made without controversy. Some ministers expressed concerns about the impact on their personal health and well-being.
Despite these concerns, the measure was supported by the majority of the cabinet. The government emphasizes that the health and safety of citizens have the highest priority and that extraordinary measures are necessary to meet the challenges of the heatwave. Ministers are expected to adjust their regular vacation plans accordingly and remain on duty throughout the summer.
The decision to suspend the summer vacations of the ministers reflects the seriousness with which the government views the current heatwave. Experts warn of the long-term effects of such extreme weather conditions on public health and the country’s infrastructure. The government has already provided additional resources to cover the increased demand for medical care and emergency services.
In the coming weeks, temperatures are expected to continue rising, increasing the burden on the healthcare system. The government has therefore announced further measures to protect the population and minimize the impact of the heatwave. These include, among others, information campaigns to prevent heat strokes and the provision of emergency shelters for particularly vulnerable population groups.
The decision to suspend the ministers’ summer vacations is part of a series of measures aimed at ensuring the government’s capacity to act during these exceptional weather conditions. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming weeks and what further steps the government will take to respond to the challenges of the heatwave.
Sources
- Franceinfo