Hong Kong News Network, August 19 -- French BFM television reported on the 17th that Prime Minister Le Kearney was booed by local residents when he visited the areas where the wildfires were worst in the southwest that day. Many have criticised the government for inadequate firefighting and post-disaster resettlement, and questioned whether firefighting resources are prioritised for wealthy residential areas. Le Kearney then announced 12 million euros in aid to the affected areas and promised to speed up post-disaster reconstruction.

Smoke from a forest fire blankets trees and livestock in the countryside in Seine-Marne, France, on July 14.

According to the "Global Times" citing Agence France-Presse, about 200 residents gathered outside the Leborge municipal government office building in Girondes on the 17th. The crowd booed as Leconi arrived by car, with many shouting, "Where is he? Where is he?" The report noted that Leconi had recently suffered severe wildfire damage. Some residents believe that the firefighters 'sacrificed' Lepday in the process of fighting the fire, instead protecting the nearby wealthy community and tourist resort known for its luxury homes and celebrity homes.

Ouiga, a 65-year-old resident of Leboerj, said the government's approach made residents feel "insignificant". Doriyak, head of the organization for victims of the Le Pol Day disaster, said they had hoped to appeal to the prime minister in person, but were blocked by riot police and the public wanted "truth, transparency and justice". "Victims are in post-traumatic stress and we must listen to them!" Ghrez, governor of Gironte province, said.

In response, Leconi's office said the prime minister had communicated with those affected. Later, in a meeting with other officials, Le Kearney said that France "has nothing to hide" and that the relevant departments will publicly explain the fire fighting operations in the past few weeks and accept external supervision. In addition, Le Kolny announced a total of 12 million euros in aid to the provinces of Gironde and Lund. "The bailout funds can now be delivered so that the affected communities can rebuild immediately," he said." We hope to move this process forward as quickly as Notre Dame did."

Regarding post-disaster reconstruction, Leconi promised to speed up the reconstruction of homes destroyed by wildfires, and building permits will be issued within a month.

According to Le Parisien, Graiz also called on the government to establish a permanent fire base in Gironde and said "it is necessary to push forward this demand, especially to strengthen the night fire capacity." French Interior Minister Nunez responded that the feasibility is being studied from a financial and operational point of view.

Since July this year, there have been severe wildfires in Gironte, affecting an area of 42,000 hectares. The fire had spread to the famous wine region of Bordeaux, evacuating more than 220000 people.

During the wildfires, French President Emmanuel Macron was criticized by the opposition for vacationing on a jet ski and landing on the cover of a magazine. Le Kearney, 40, was appointed prime minister by Macron in September 2025. The French newspaper Le Monde reported that as the 2027 presidential election approaches, the Macron camp is considering supporting Le Kearney's campaign, but he denied having any ambitions for the 2027 election.