On Saturday, October 10, during the congress of the Association of French Rural Mayors, the Prime Minister announced a new financial initiative aimed at supporting rural communities. The plan includes a grant of 150 million euros, which will be distributed among 9,000 rural communes. This funding is intended to help these areas maintain essential services and improve local infrastructure, addressing some of the challenges they face due to depopulation and limited resources. In addition to the grant, the Prime Minister pledged to develop a specific strategy to assist small service stations. These stations often struggle with fluctuating fuel prices and have been particularly affected by recent decreases in diesel prices. The government's proposed response aims to help them manage these changes effectively, ensuring they remain viable and continue to serve local communities. The announcement comes at a time when rural areas in France are seeking greater support from the central government. Many mayors have expressed concerns about the economic disparities between urban and rural regions, and the new measures are seen as a step toward addressing these imbalances. The initiative reflects the government's recognition of the unique challenges faced by rural communes and its commitment to supporting them. The Prime Minister’s statements were well received by the mayors present at the congress, who appreciated the focus on rural development. However, some have called for more detailed plans and a clearer timeline for implementing the proposed measures. As the government moves forward with these initiatives, the effectiveness of the 150 million euro grant and the support for small service stations will be closely watched by both local officials and the public.