Premier ministre Sébastien Lecornu announced a state aid plan exceeding 100 million euros [2] on Monday to rebuild areas devastated by wildfires in Gironde.

The funding arrives as local governments and residents struggle to recover from a megafire that destroyed approximately 42,000 hectares [1]. The scale of the destruction has placed immense pressure on regional infrastructure and the local economy.

Speaking in Mérignac, Lecornu said the distribution of the funds. Of the total package, 12 million euros [3] will be allocated specifically to the affected departments to facilitate immediate recovery efforts. The broader plan aims to assist both municipalities and private businesses in restoring the territory.

The disaster has left thousands of hectares of forest and farmland in ruins, complicating the reconstruction process for homeowners and agricultural enterprises. The state's intervention is intended to accelerate the issuance of building permits and provide a financial safety net for those whose insurance may not cover the full extent of the losses.

Local officials said there is a need for rapid deployment of these funds to prevent long-term economic stagnation in the region. The government's plan includes measures to streamline administrative hurdles, allowing residents to begin rebuilding their homes and livelihoods more quickly.

Lecornu said the state would provide the necessary resources to ensure the region returns to stability. The visit to Mérignac served as the official launch for the financial rollout, signaling a shift from emergency response to long-term reconstruction.

“A state aid plan exceeding 100 million euros”

The scale of the financial package reflects the increasing severity of wildfire events in France, where 'megafires' are creating unprecedented reconstruction costs. By allocating specific funds to departments and streamlining permits, the French government is attempting to mitigate the risk of rural depopulation and economic collapse in the Gironde region following a catastrophic environmental event.