French authorities have launched a criminal investigation into a suspected arson attack on a major electrical substation that caused widespread power outages across Cannes and other parts of southern France. The blackout plunged parts of the French Riviera into darkness, disrupted transport systems, and raised concerns about infrastructure security just weeks before the Cannes Film Festival’s conclusion.
According to officials, the fire broke out early Saturday morning at an electricity substation near Grasse, a town located northwest of Cannes. Firefighters were able to contain the flames, but not before the blaze severely damaged key components of the grid. The resulting outage left tens of thousands without electricity in the Alpes-Maritimes region, including in Antibes, Vallauris, and parts of Nice.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that the fire is being treated as “deliberate” and said that counterterrorism prosecutors had been informed, though no group has claimed responsibility. “Initial evidence indicates an intentional act. We are treating this with utmost seriousness,” he told reporters while visiting the site of the damage.
The blackout caused major disruptions in Cannes, where the annual international film festival is currently drawing thousands of visitors and global media attention. Several venues were temporarily evacuated, and parts of the city center were without power for several hours before emergency generators were deployed. Organizers confirmed that screenings and events would resume as scheduled, though security has been stepped up significantly.
France’s national electricity operator, Enedis, said that technicians worked through the night to restore power and stabilize the network. By Saturday afternoon, most affected areas had electricity again, though some rural zones continued to experience limited supply.
Local residents expressed frustration at the outage, with many raising concerns about safety and preparedness. “This kind of infrastructure should be protected,” said Marc Delon, a shop owner in Cannes. “If someone can just set fire to a power hub, what else is vulnerable?”
The incident comes at a time of heightened vigilance in France, with the country preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and contending with a series of protests and political unrest in recent months. Security experts have warned that critical infrastructure—including power grids, water systems, and telecommunications—remains vulnerable to sabotage, cyberattacks, and extremist actions.
President Emmanuel Macron has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but the government is expected to announce new protective measures for strategic utilities. The Ministry of Energy Transition said it is conducting a full audit of substation security protocols across the country.
Opposition leaders have used the incident to criticize the government’s preparedness. Marine Le Pen of the National Rally party called the event a “wake-up call” and demanded that the government explain how such a vital facility was left unguarded.
As investigators comb through the scene for clues—including possible accelerant traces and surveillance footage—French authorities are urging calm while vowing swift justice.
For now, the spotlight remains on Cannes not just for its cinematic glamour, but as the latest stage for the growing debate over France’s infrastructure security and the evolving threats it faces in an increasingly volatile world.
Source: Al Jazeera
