# European heatwave causes major mortality (2003)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/2003-european-heatwave-causes-major-mortality
Location: France

Extreme temperatures caused thousands of excess deaths and prompted public-health reforms. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Jacques Chirac (President of the French Republic). European heatwave causes major mortality is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
European heatwave causes major mortality is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Jacques Chirac](https://history-france.com/rulers/jacques-chirac)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — European heatwave causes major mortality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=European+heatwave+causes+major+mortality&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — European heatwave causes major mortality](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=European+heatwave+causes+major+mortality)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)