France reported more than 2,000 excess deaths in the last week of June 2026, according to preliminary estimates.
85% confidence
HealthFrance
Omissions
The official final figure (5,764 excess deaths for 17 June–2 July 2026) is far higher than the 2,000 figure cited; the claim correctly framed the figure as a preliminary estimate.
The primary confirming source (Santé publique France press release, ~22–23 July 2026) covers the whole heatwave period (17 June–2 July), which includes but is broader than the 'last week of June' alone; the peak of excess mortality occurred within that last week of June.
The confirming sources were published after the session date (8 July 2026), so the MEP could not have known the final tally; the claim referred to preliminary estimates reported around 3 July, and no independent source verifying the exact 3 July report date could be located.
Some corroborating figures (e.g., ~2,935 excess deaths per INSEE by 26 June 2026; ~3,000 excess deaths in the last week of June per Santé publique France) appeared only in social-media posts citing the official agencies and were not used as direct evidence.
Sources
PrimarySanté publique France (press release)5 764 décès en excès en France durant la période de canicule du 17 juin au 2 juillet — 'Un excès de mortalité visible pour toutes les classes d'âge'
SecondaryLe Monde (English edition)France records over 5,700 excess deaths during June heatwave. 'The extra deaths between June 17 and July 2 this year were due to all causes'
SecondaryThe GuardianFrance recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during its June heatwave, authorities have said, as swathes of southern Europe continue to endure high temperatures
SecondaryEuronewsAt least 5,764 excess deaths in France were recorded during the record-breaking heatwave last month, marking the country's deadliest heat event in decades
SecondaryMedscape FranceCanicule : au moins 5 764 décès en excès du 17 juin au 2 juillet — 'Cet excès de mortalité toutes causes pendant un épisode de canicule est le plus élevé observé depuis 2003'