Migrant Occupation of Historic Theatre Highlights Growing Crisis in France
In a troubling development in France, a historic 19th-century theatre has become the unlikely residence of hundreds of migrants, pushing the venue to the brink of financial ruin. Currently, around 350 migrants have occupied the space, with many claiming to be underage upon arrival. The occupation has led to the cancellation of all performances until at least January 24, costing the theatre several hundred thousand euros in direct financial losses, according to a spokesperson. The situation has sparked significant debate and tension within both the local community and the wider political landscape.
The migrants, primarily from countries like Guinea, have asserted that they are minors, seeking to take advantage of protections given to unaccompanied minors in France. This has resulted in them receiving shelter and assistance from local authorities. However, the authorities have contested these claims, asserting that most of the individuals involved are adults and had been living on the streets prior to seeking refuge in the theatre. Despite this, the occupation continues with nightly chants and protests, including slogans such as “We’re all equal, not illegal” and “We’re fed up with the police, we want liberty, equality, fraternity.”
Over the past five weeks, the migrants have transformed the theatre into a temporary home, making use of its facilities to charge their phones and sleep on the furniture. Some of them, such as Mamadou Pathe Barry, who claims to be 16, shared their stories of sleeping on the streets before receiving assistance from a migrant charity. Inside the theatre, the overcrowded conditions have raised concerns, as there are few amenities, including a lack of showers and limited toilet facilities.
This situation has put immense pressure on the local authorities, especially Paris’s Socialist-led city council, which owns the theatre. The council has stated that it has explored options for relocating the migrants but has found no available accommodations. With the government, particularly President Macron’s centrist cabinet, seemingly reluctant to intervene, the issue has become a significant headache for local officials, who have called for a national response.
As the occupation persists, tensions continue to rise, with both migrants and local authorities at an impasse. The theatre’s future remains uncertain, and the debate over how to handle the influx of migrants in France continues to escalate. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges faced by European countries in managing migration and providing solutions to those in need of shelter and support.