The final day of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival was marred by unexpected power outages, which were later claimed by anarchist groups in a letter posted online. This incident not only disrupted the festival’s closing ceremonies but also left a significant mark on local businesses that were counting on the event for a boost in sales.
Details of the power outages
According to the electricity network operator RTE, the first outage occurred due to an overnight fire at an electrical substation near Cannes, followed by a downed high-voltage line. This disruption affected approximately 160,000 households across the Alpes-Maritimes region, plunging hotels and businesses into darkness. As a result, several film screenings were canceled or postponed, forcing organizers to switch to an independent power supply. After a five-hour blackout, power was finally restored, allowing the closing ceremonies to proceed, albeit with significant disruption already inflicted.
Claims of sabotage and investigation
Local authorities quickly suspected sabotage as the cause of the outages. Area prefect Laurent Hottiaux condemned the “serious acts of damage” and pledged that all resources would be mobilized to identify and apprehend those responsible. Investigations revealed two separate acts of arson at the Saint-Cassien power plant, alongside evidence of power line pylons being intentionally severed. The situation escalated when a second blackout occurred in Nice, attributed to an arson attack on an electrical transformer.
Anarchist groups take responsibility
In a message attributed to two anarchist factions, the groups claimed credit for the sabotage, stating their intention was to disrupt the festival and target various technological and military establishments in the region. The letter detailed their actions, including cutting off power to research centers and factories, and concluded with a fictional film pitch titled “Sabotage 2: Night in Cannes.” This bizarre twist added a layer of surrealism to the already chaotic situation, as the authors did not provide any means of contact for filmmakers interested in their concept.
As investigations continue, officials have yet to establish a direct link between the anarchist claims and the outages. Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli emphasized that the inquiry is still in its early stages, with much work needed to clarify the extent of the damage and the methods employed in these acts of sabotage. The ramifications of these events extend beyond the festival, affecting local businesses and the community’s sense of security.
