Boy stated that the unions’ key demands include legislation to update France’s civil security framework, significant recruitment of professional firefighters, and enhanced funding for firefighters’ health and safety.
He also urged for “investments to match the risks France faces today and will face tomorrow,” given that Europe is the fastest-warming continent.
On Thursday, Boy and other firefighting representatives, while conducting a smaller-scale strike, met with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to discuss their issues. They left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed, accusing the minister of vague responses and providing “political blah blah.”
Later on Thursday, Nuñez told reporters that a bill to enhance civil security would be presented to the unions on September 8. He noted that firefighter resources would “evolve” in the following year’s budget but did not pledge a specific increase.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has also tasked seven parliamentarians with creating a report on improving firefighting in France, requesting policy proposals by September 21.
France’s current firefighting system heavily depends on volunteers. As of 2024, nearly 80 percent of the country’s firefighters were volunteers, while less than 20 percent, mainly in urban areas, were professionals.
Leave a Reply