Rachida Dati Launches Committee to Protect Paris’ UNESCO-Listed Seine Banks

The Minister of Culture's initiative aims to safeguard historic landmarks but faces criticism for potential political motivations.

Rachida Dati, France's Minister of Culture, has announced the creation of a committee to enhance the protection of the UNESCO-listed 'Paris, rives de la Seine' area.
The protected zone includes iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and spans 10 of Paris' 20 arrondissements.
Dati stated the initiative will make any demolition, alteration, or damage to these heritage sites 'impossible,' marking a significant step in preservation efforts.
Critics, including Parisian officials, accuse Dati of leveraging her ministry for political gain ahead of her 2026 mayoral campaign.
Her announcement follows recent moves to prioritize cultural heritage, including securing additional funding and proposing new classifications for historic sites.