Executive power in France, led by the prime minister and a council of ministers
A series of record wildfires has swept across southwest France and Spain this week, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee and destroying thousands of hectares of woodland. Authorities warn that climate-driven heatwaves are intensifying fires, while politics and firefighting resources are under strain across multiple countries.
France has recorded a sharply reduced 2026 grape harvest after an exceptionally hot, dry summer pushed harvests earlier and cut yields. Champagne production has fallen by about half and regulators have temporarily allowed some 2026 bubbly to reach 15% alcohol after sugar levels rose in sun‑stressed grapes. The agriculture ministry has estimated total output near 33.9m hectolitres.