On September 19, 2025, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau issued a warning to municipalities in France, prohibiting the display of the Palestinian flag on balconies ahead of President Emmanuel Macron’s impending recognition of the Palestinian state. The ban coincides with the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins on September 25, reports 24brussels.
Retailleau stated that if any mayors choose to defy this directive, the government will resort to administrative courts to enforce the removal of the Palestinian flag. He emphasized that the prohibition is rooted in the principle of neutrality required in French public service, which dictates avoidance of any stance in international conflicts.
This decision has drawn scrutiny, particularly as some mayors have pointed out the French government’s relative permissiveness regarding the display of the Ukrainian flag in municipal areas. Critics of the ban have argued that it appears contradictory and inconsistent.
Retailleau, a member of The Republicans (LR), further justified the ban by expressing concerns about “importing the conflict” into France. His stance follows calls from leftist figures, including Socialist leader Olivier Faure, who advocated for the visibility of the Palestinian flag during the UN General Assembly.
Amidst this backdrop, legislators have voiced their discontent with the government’s approach. Notably, Rima Hassan recounted an incident in Paris where police allegedly intimidated a 15-year-old boy into removing a Palestinian flag he was carrying, labeling the situation as “absolutely scandalous.” This incident illustrates the tensions surrounding public displays of solidarity with Palestine.
Despite the government’s stance, some French mayors remain committed to raising the Palestinian flag, reflecting a broader societal debate on France’s position regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. On the international front, Macron has outlined conditions attached to the recognition of the Palestinian state, including the disarmament of Hamas and the transfer of control over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.
The responses to the flag ban from various political factions signify a divided opinion on France’s diplomatic and moral stance regarding Palestine, highlighting a significant clash between governmental authority and local expressions of solidarity.
