Political Controversy Erupts Over School Closures Amid 2025 Heatwave in Tours
Controversy intensifies in Tours over school closures during a severe heatwave, exposing political rifts and management challenges.
Key Points
- • Mayor Emmanuel Denis closes public schools due to a heatwave on June 30 and July 1, 2025.
- • The decision was criticized for lack of consultation and perceived political motivations.
- • Other municipalities also closed schools, reflecting broader challenges of managing extreme heat in public institutions.
- • Scientists warn of increasing severity of heatwaves and call for stronger climate action from the government.
As the heatwave engulfs France, significant political tensions have emerged in Tours following the mayor's decision to close all public schools on June 30 and July 1, 2025. Mayor Emmanuel Denis announced the closures just three days prior, prompting backlash from local and national political figures. Critics, including Minister Elisabeth Borne, have accused Denis of prioritizing political maneuvering over public health concerns, citing that such swift resolutions lack adequate communication and planning for families affected by the closures.
The controversy compares sharply with actions taken by former mayor Christophe Bouchet in 2019, who closed a fraction of the schools during a heatwave with comparatively little opposition. Current mayor Denis faces vehement criticism from potential political challengers like Bouchet and Olivier Lebreton, who argue that the decision lacked necessary consultation, leaving many families scrambling for childcare and solutions.
Significantly, while the city announced a minimum service at a recently renovated school, this facility received no children on the first day of the closure, highlighting the failure in implementation and communication of the policy. Additionally, similar measures were taken by other municipalities, underscoring the regional challenges faced regarding heat management in schools.