Périgueux Mayor Criticizes Unclear State Heat Protection Measures

Périgueux – 21.06.2026: The mayor of Périgueux, Michel Moyrand, has criticized the unclear state measures for managing the current heatwave. He lamented that municipalities are left to deal with the extreme heat on their own. “We tell the mayors: ‘Take care of things locally’,” Moyrand explained and demanded clearer national guidelines for areas with high heat exposure.

Last week, the Dordogne department, to which Périgueux belongs, was classified in the highest warning level for heatwaves. This measure was announced by Météo-France on June 18, 2026, and has been in effect since June 19. Such warnings are intended to alert the population to the dangers of extreme temperatures and promote preventive measures.

Despite these warnings, Moyrand criticized the lack of clarity in state measures. He emphasized that municipalities need more support and clearer instructions to effectively respond to the heatwave. “I would have wished for clearer national measures, especially in areas marked in red,” he added.

In Périgueux, local initiatives have already been taken to assist citizens during the heatwave. The city administration has set up a system to register particularly vulnerable individuals to ensure they are regularly contacted and supported. Additionally, public drinking fountains and shaded areas have been established in the city to provide residents with relief from the heat.

Despite these local measures, criticism of insufficient state support remains. Moyrand stressed that a coordinated national strategy is necessary to better manage the impact of future heatwaves. He appealed to the government to provide clear guidelines and resources to help municipalities support their citizens during times of extreme heat.

The discussion about state heat protection measures is part of a broader debate on climate adaptation in France. Experts warn of the need to be better prepared for extreme weather events both at the municipal and national levels. Current events underscore the urgency of developing and implementing effective strategies to manage heatwaves.

Overall, the situation in Périgueux highlights the challenges that municipalities face when dealing with heatwaves and underscores the need for a clear and supportive national strategy. The demand for more clarity and support from the state remains a central topic in the debate on climate protection and adaptation to extreme weather conditions.

The current events in Périgueux cast a spotlight on the challenges municipalities face in managing heatwaves. The mayor’s criticism of the unclear state support underlines the necessity for an effective and coordinated strategy at the national level. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands and which measures will be taken to better assist municipalities in supporting their citizens during times of extreme heat.