Europe Battles Deadly Heatwave Amid Political Disputes and Infrastructure Strain

A heatwave sweeping across Europe has shifted eastward, posing a threat of record-breaking temperatures in Germany. Concurrently, a political dispute erupted in France concerning the issue of air conditioning.

Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in French politics, used the situation to her advantage, announcing a plan for widespread air conditioning if she were to win the upcoming presidential election. In parliament, she emphasized the importance of air conditioning for public services, citing its necessity in numerous other countries. Her ally, Éric Ciotti, proposed a bill mandating air conditioning in essential public spaces.

France has a lower prevalence of air conditioning in both public buildings and private homes compared to neighboring countries like Italy. While the French government criticized the far-right's stance, the environment minister acknowledged the need to protect vulnerable individuals but cautioned against excessive air conditioning due to its impact on external temperatures. The Green leader criticized Le Pen's environmental policy, advocating for green spaces and improved building insulation instead.

Meanwhile, Europe continued to grapple with the deadly heatwave, which has resulted in record temperatures and multiple fatalities. In Spain, authorities investigated the deaths of farm workers and battled a large wildfire, prompting warnings about the severity of the situation.

France reported two heatwave-related deaths, with hundreds of people hospitalized. Italy also suffered numerous deaths, including a lorry driver, a construction worker, and an elderly man. Power outages, caused by the strain on electricity grids from air conditioning use and overheating cables, affected several cities. The Italian health ministry issued a maximum heat alert for numerous cities, and the heat is also impacting agriculture.

As the heatwave moved eastward, Germany was expected to experience its hottest temperatures of the year. Drought conditions led to water restrictions in many districts, and forest fires broke out in Brandenburg.