Transformer Sabotage Causes Massive Power Outage at Cannes Film Festival
Two anarchist groups have claimed responsibility for recent power outages that disrupted the Cannes Film Festival, affected more than 160,000 homes, and knocked out critical infrastructure across Nice and nearby towns in southern France.
According to local authorities, the blackout began on Friday with a fire at a high-voltage substation in the Var department and the sabotage of a power pylon in the Alpes-Maritimes. A second incident occurred Saturday night when another transformer was set ablaze in the Moulins district of Nice, leaving 45,000 additional homes without electricity.
The anonymous groups reportedly issued a letter taking credit for the incidents, stating their goal was to disrupt the festival and deprive industrial sites of power. No clear motive or political demands were outlined.
Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice condemned the attacks as "malicious acts" and confirmed that a formal complaint would be filed. He also announced increased security around electrical infrastructure in the coming days.
Despite the disruptions, the Cannes Film Festival concluded its final day as scheduled due to its independent power supply. Electricity in the affected areas was fully restored by Sunday morning.
The public prosecutor's office is investigating both incidents, which are being treated as acts of deliberate sabotage.
