French Towns Defy Government, Raise Palestinian Flag Despite Interior Ministry Warnings
Paris, France – In a bold display of solidarity, over 80 town halls across France hoisted the Palestinian flag on Monday, directly challenging a directive from the Interior ministry. The act of defiance coincided with President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
The Interior Ministry had previously instructed regional prefects to prevent the flag raising, citing the principle of neutrality for public services, France’s policy of non-interference in international affairs, and concerns over potential “serious disturbances” to public order. Despite the warning, a notable number of municipalities – at least 86 out of France’s 34,875 – proceeded with the exhibition.
The movement gained momentum throughout the day. Following initial displays in cities like Nantes, Rennes, Grigny, and Saint-Denis, the environmental administrations of Besançon and Lyon also raised the Palestinian flag on their respective town halls. The department of Seine-Saint-denis saw a especially strong showing, with a dozen municipalities participating.
The situation is not without legal repercussions. In Malakoff, the communist mayor, who first raised the flag on Friday, is facing a daily fine of 150 euros for refusing to comply with an injunction from the Administrative Court of Cergy-Pontoise to remove the banner. The mayor has announced plans to appeal the ruling before the Council of state.
Smaller towns have also joined the movement, including Chenôves and Quétigny near Dijon, and Carhaix in Finistère.
[ImageofthePalestinianflagonthetownhallofStainswithcaption:[ImageofthePalestinianflagonthetownhallofStainswithcaption:[ImageofthePalestinianflagonthetownhallofStainswithcaption:[ImageofthePalestinianflagonthetownhallofStainswithcaption:The Palestinian flag is installed on the pediment of the town hall of Stains by its mayor, Taibi Azzedine. In Stains (Seine-Saint-Denis), September 22, 2025. Lucien Lung/Riva Press for “Le Monde”]
This widespread act of civil disobedience underscores the growing public sentiment in France regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlights a clear divergence between local governance and national policy. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the week progresses.
Keywords: France, Palestine, Palestinian Flag, Emmanuel Macron, Interior Ministry, Town Halls, Defiance, Political Protest, International Relations, Israel-Palestine Conflict.
