Bourges, a medium-sized town in the heart of France, is looking forward to an economic boost after being chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2028 alongside Ceské Budejovice, in the Czech Republic, and Skopje, in North Macedonia. Yann Galut, the mayor of Bourges, said that being selected was an “immense honour", while Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak said the title would "shine a light on a medium-sized city with big ambitions”.Three other French cities – Rouen, Montpellier and Clermon