French authorities blamed of ‘social cleansing’ ahead of Olympics
(MENAFN) More than 80 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have raised alarm over a significant rise in forced evictions of squatters and homeless individuals in Paris, attributing the surge to preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games scheduled to be held in the French capital this summer. According to a report cited by France 24, local and regional authorities have increasingly issued orders allowing for the removal of squatters, marking a dramatic escalation in displacement efforts over recent years.
Monitoring groups have reported a stark increase in eviction orders across the Paris region, with data revealing a more than threefold rise in forced dislodgements from May 2021 to April 2024. Specifically, the number of removals jumped from 15 incidents in the previous year to nearly 50 in the most recent period, underscoring a notable shift in governmental approach.
Le Revers de la Médaille (The Other Side of the Medal), an umbrella organization representing various advocacy groups, has criticized authorities in the Ile-de-France region for their heightened reliance on eviction measures. The coalition accuses the French government of engaging in what it terms as "social cleansing," suggesting a deliberate effort to clear homeless camps and squatter settlements ahead of the Olympic Games.
Activists, such as Theo Ferignac from the Law Access Collective, argue that the surge in evictions coincides strategically with the approaching Olympics, indicating a concerted effort to minimize visible homelessness and social unrest in Paris during the international event. The move towards forced evictions is seen by critics as part of broader urban redevelopment plans aimed at presenting a sanitized image of the city to global audiences.
The concern over "social cleansing" reflects broader debates about urban policy, human rights, and the prioritization of international events over local social welfare issues. As Paris prepares to host the Olympics, the contentious issue of evictions has sparked protests and calls for more humane solutions to homelessness, highlighting tensions between urban development agendas and social justice imperatives.
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