French Mayors Defy Ban, Fly Palestinian Flags on Town Halls
Mayors challenge government orders to support Palestinian statehood.
Several French mayors are set to fly Palestinian flags on town halls, defying government orders, as France prepares to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. The move follows a call by Socialist leader Olivier Faure to display the flags, despite warnings from the Interior Ministry, which cites risks of escalating tensions in a nation with Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations.
The initiative has gained traction amid growing visibility of Palestinian flags in France, fueled by nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. This week, banners appeared at nationwide protests criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron’s policies. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is expected to dominate discussions at the UN, with Palestinians hoping at least 10 more countries will join the 145 nations already recognizing their statehood.
Mathieu Hanotin, mayor of Saint-Denis, home to France’s national soccer stadium, vowed to raise the Palestinian flag in solidarity with Palestinians. In Nantes, Socialist mayor Johanna Rolland confirmed her city hall will also display the flag, stating, “For municipalities supporting France’s recognition of Palestine, this symbolic gesture makes sense. I will do it without hesitation.”
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The Interior Ministry, however, has instructed regional officials to block such displays, arguing they violate public service neutrality and risk importing international conflicts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized, “Only the tricolour flag represents our values and belongs on town halls, our common home.” The ministry urged administrative courts to intervene if mayors proceed.
French Communist Party spokesman Ian Brossat criticized Retailleau, accusing him of undermining France’s official stance. “The minister contradicts our diplomacy, which supports recognizing a Palestinian state, unlike his personal beliefs,” Brossat told BFM TV.
The debate echoes a June incident when Nice mayor Christian Estrosi was ordered by a court to remove Israeli flags displayed in support of Hamas-held hostages. In contrast, Saint-Ouen’s Socialist mayor, Karim Bouamrane, plans to fly both Israeli and Palestinian flags to promote peace. “We are one republican community,” he told RMC radio. “I stand for peace, not division between Muslims, Jews, or activists.”
As France navigates its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the defiant actions of its mayors highlight deep divisions and a push for solidarity ahead of the UN assembly.
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