Mediterranean region and island of France seeking autonomy
Patrick Bruel has been placed under formal investigation on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and harassment across allegations stretching from 1992 to 2019. Prosecutors say some allegations beyond the statute of limitations have been added to the file; he denies all charges and has been released on bail with restrictions.
Since mid-July, a series of fast-moving wildfires has scorched large areas of France and Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. French authorities have mobilised soldiers, masks and international firefighting aircraft as flames approach Bordeaux and fires burn near Paris, the Var and Fontainebleau. Extreme heat and drought have fuelled unusually early, violent fires.
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and areas west of Madrid, injured firefighters, prompted France to deploy soldiers and led Spain to declare a national emergency.
The UK government has issued travel advice as wildfires force the evacuation of more than 300,000 people in Spain and France. Authorities are considering Bordeaux’s total evacuation, while the EU, French army, and local agencies coordinate the response amid extreme heat and winds.
A series of unprecedented wildfires are sweeping through southwestern France and central Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Authorities warn the blazes are fierce and unpredictable, with climate-driven heat and winds complicating firefighting efforts. Macron pledges support; Spain’s Sanchez calls for climate action as fires intensify.