In a show of solidarity with Palestine, nearly two dozen town halls across France have raised the Palestinian flag, openly defying a government warning against such displays. This move comes ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s expected recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The decision to fly the flag has sparked debate within France, with some municipalities declaring their support for Palestine and others opposing the move.
The Interior Ministry, led by Bruno Retailleau, had issued a circular directing prefects to prevent such acts, stressing that the principle of neutrality in public service prohibited political symbols on government buildings. Despite this warning, several municipalities, including Nantes and Paris suburbs governed by left-wing parties, have participated in flying the Palestinian flag. Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland confirmed her city’s participation, saying, “Nantes supports this historic decision by raising the Palestinian flag for the day”.
The flag-raising has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a show of unity with the president’s historic step toward peace, while others see it as a divisive move. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called it a “historic day for peace” but warned against using the moment for political divisions. The Eiffel Tower was illuminated with images of both Israeli and Palestinian flags, along with peace symbols like a dove and olive branch, symbolizing the country’s commitment to a two-state solution.
