French Kindergarten Relocated Over Drug Trafficking Concerns
The Émile Zola kindergarten in Saint-Ouen has been temporarily moved after drug packets were repeatedly found in its schoolyard, igniting national concerns over public safety and state authority.
- The Émile Zola kindergarten in Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, was relocated after parents voted for the move on April 3, 2025, citing safety concerns linked to nearby drug trafficking.
- Drug packets had been found multiple times in the schoolyard, prompting fears for the safety of children and staff.
- French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne pledged to return the school to its original location once the area is secured, emphasizing the government's commitment to public safety.
- A CSA survey revealed that 75% of French citizens believe it is unacceptable for schools to close due to criminal activity, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of urban crime.
- The situation has become emblematic of broader challenges in maintaining state authority and protecting public institutions in vulnerable areas like Seine-Saint-Denis, which has over 270 identified drug trafficking hotspots.
Atlantico 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
Le Figaro 