Malicious Acts Trigger Power Outages in Nice and Cannes Amid Cannes Film Festival

Nearly 45,000 people in and around Nice, southern France, were left in the dark on Sunday after an electrical transformer was deliberately set on fire overnight, causing a major power outage. This disruption comes just a day after another significant blackout hit the region, cutting electricity to around 160,000 homes and affecting the nearby town of Cannes — which was in the midst of its famous international film festival.

Two groups, calling themselves “bands of anarchists,” have claimed responsibility for these attacks. In a statement posted to an activist network on Sunday, they said their sabotage targeted electrical infrastructure not only to disrupt the Cannes Film Festival but also to cut power to a nearby aerospace company, Cannes airport, and other critical industrial, military, and technological sites. While this claim has yet to be independently verified, French prosecutors are investigating the incidents.

Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, condemned the acts strongly in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He announced that both national and municipal police have been deployed to investigate the transformer fire and said surveillance footage from the city’s monitoring center will aid the inquiry. “I strongly denounce these malicious acts that affect our country,” Estrosi said.

What Happened Before the Outage?

The power cut on Sunday followed a previous outage on Saturday across the Alpes-Maritimes area, which includes Cannes and its surroundings. From about 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, around 160,000 homes were left without power. Officials suspect sabotage was behind the blackout.

Sébastien Leroy, mayor of Mandelieu-La Napoule — a town just southwest of Cannes — described the event as a “double act of sabotage.” Early Saturday morning, a fire broke out at an electrical substation in the nearby town of Tanneron, followed by significant damage to an electricity pylon.

Laurent Hottiaux, prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, issued a statement condemning the incidents as “serious acts of damage,” calling for a thorough investigation.

Impact on the Cannes Film Festival

The power outages posed a real threat to the Cannes Film Festival, which was wrapping up its 78th edition on Saturday night. The festival’s closing ceremony, where top awards were announced, took place as scheduled thanks to swift action.

According to FranceInfo, the Palais des Festivals — the main venue — switched to an independent power supply, ensuring all events and screenings could continue without interruption. Though two screenings were briefly halted for about five minutes Saturday morning, they quickly resumed.

Festival organizers expressed relief that, despite the disruption, the event’s finale went ahead “under normal conditions,” maintaining the glamour and tradition Cannes is known for.

What’s Next?

The incidents have stirred concerns over security and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region. Authorities continue to investigate the deliberate nature of these power cuts, with national and local police collaborating closely.

As the probe unfolds, residents remain hopeful for swift action to prevent further disruptions. Mayor Estrosi’s strong words reflect the growing frustration over these attacks, which impact not just daily life but also major cultural and industrial events.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.