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4h ago

French Court Orders Malakoff to Remove Palestinian Flag From Town Hall After Interior Directive

The ruling is the first rapid judicial enforcement of France’s public‑service neutrality rule as town halls weigh flag displays before UN recognition of Palestine.

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Le drapeau palestinien, installé devant la mairie de Besançon, a finalement été retiré par la maire, sur ordre du tribunal administratif fin juin 2025.
Un drapeau palestinien hissé devant la mairie de Besançon en juin 2025.

Overview

  • An administrative judge in Cergy-Pontoise ordered Malakoff to take down a Palestinian flag immediately after the Hauts-de-Seine prefect referred the case under the Interior Ministry’s guidance.
  • Mayor Jacqueline Belhomme refused a police request to remove the flag, criticized a “coup de force,” skipped the hearing citing short notice, and said the city will appeal and keep the flag up until Tuesday.
  • Prefects triggered further actions as Mauléon-Licharre removed its flag following a warning, the court suspended a planned display in Bezons, and several cities still plan to hoist flags on September 22 including Lille, Nantes, Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, Tarnos and Grenoble.
  • The Interior Ministry reiterated that public-service neutrality bars such pavoisement, citing established jurisprudence, while some mayors argue inconsistent treatment compared with past Ukrainian or Israeli flag displays.
  • A new Elabe poll finds 53% support France’s UN recognition of a Palestinian state on September 22, with 71% opposing Palestinian flags on town halls.