French municipalities raise Palestinian flag despite governmental warnings

In a symbolic and political gesture, the municipality of Saint-Denis, one of the largest suburbs of Paris, raised the Palestinian flag above its official building on Monday morning. 

This move, joined by several other French mayors, comes in direct defiance of the Interior Ministry’s instructions, and in celebration of the French government’s anticipated historic recognition of the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly meetings today.

The initiative was launched at the invitation of Olivier Faure, leader of the French Socialist Party, who urged mayors to raise the Palestinian flag on September 22, coinciding with the expected date of France’s official recognition.

Read more: UN to convene today on high-level “Question of Palestine” summit

Several left-leaning mayors responded positively, describing it as a “symbolic gesture” necessary to support their country’s diplomatic decision and express solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

The event drew significant media attention, with journalists gathering outside Saint-Denis town hall to document the moment.

While the Presidency and the Foreign Ministry move toward a diplomatic step recognizing Palestine on the international stage, the Interior Ministry has expressed concerns about potential domestic repercussions.

The Interior Ministry expressed concerns to local officials, urging them to oppose raising Palestinian flags on public buildings, warning that conflicts could spill onto French soil as the country hosts Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish communities

The debate follows a governmental attempt to strike a symbolic move on Sunday, when the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with both the Palestinian and ‘Israeli’ flags, with a peace dove between them.