The first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, proposed that town halls display the Palestinian flag on September 22, the day when France will officially recognize the State of Palestine. The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, criticizes this initiative as he considers it dangerous for national cohesion.
On September 22, France is set to officially recognize the State of Palestine. The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, announced this in July, stating that he would make the declaration at the United Nations General Assembly. This decision marks an important diplomatic step, the result of long-standing presidential commitment.
In this context, Olivier Faure made a call. The first secretary of the Socialist Party wants town halls to fly the Palestinian flag on the day of this recognition. “On September 22, when France finally recognizes the Palestinian State, let us fly the Palestinian flag on our town halls,” he wrote on X.
The initiative is intended to be symbolic. It aims to involve local authorities in a moment that the socialist leader considers historic. However, it immediately provokes reactions.
Christian Estrosi’s Response
In Nice, Christian Estrosi reacted firmly. He considers the proposal “unworthy.” For him, the international context makes this gesture inappropriate. “Even as Israeli hostages are still in the hands of Hamas, this call adds division to pain,” he states.
The mayor of Nice fears the risk of importing the conflict into France. “We must avoid at all costs that this conflict is imported onto our streets,” he asserts. He insists: “this conflict is extremely complex. It deserves discernment,” he adds.
Subsequently, he announces an approach to the authorities. He asks the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes to ban any gathering in support of Palestine. He also calls on the government to ensure that “this flag does not fly on any town hall in France – from the smallest village to the largest metropolis.”
Christian Estrosi justifies his position by referring to other recent events. He mentions the Vuelta, the Spanish cycling race disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters. According to him, these actions indicate a drift. “The recent incidents at the Vuelta, where some attempt to ostracize a state and its people, show that this Islamo-leftist drift is already in motion. It is time for a clear halt,” he asserts.
A Debate Beyond Divisions
The proposal to raise the Palestinian flag raises political and social questions. It questions the role of symbols in public spaces and the relationship between foreign policy and local life.
Supporters of Olivier Faure see the act as a way to celebrate France’s recognition of Palestine. For them, it sends a message of solidarity with a people seeking statehood. On the left, the argument is based on the idea that official recognition should be reflected in concrete actions.
Opponents, however, fear a politicization of town halls and a risk of tensions. They believe that a foreign flag on municipal facades could fuel divisions in a context already marked by identity and religious tensions.
A Long-Awaited Recognition on the International Stage
Beyond the controversy, the recognition of the State of Palestine by France is part of a diplomatic sequence. Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend an international conference in New York, organized with Saudi Arabia. It is on this occasion that he will deliver his speech before the UN General Assembly.
This French decision comes as the situation in Gaza remains dire and the prospects for peace in the Middle East remain uncertain. It reflects Paris’s desire to play an active role in seeking a two-state political solution.
But domestically, the debate over the Palestinian flag shows how sensitive the subject remains. Between the desire to affirm international solidarity and fears of local tensions, the discussion highlights deep political fractures.
On September 22, the official recognition will be declared. It remains to be seen whether the town halls will follow Olivier Faure’s call or if, as Christian Estrosi requests, the State will halt any local initiative.
