“Zero gatherings” on the Champs-Élysées: Laurent Nunez calls it a “bad idea”

Sunday 31 May 2026 - 10:45

The proposal to impose a “zero gatherings” policy on the Champs-Élysées following recent public disturbances has sparked debate in France, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez rejecting the idea as impractical and ineffective.

The discussion comes after incidents of unrest in Paris during celebrations linked to major football events, where festive crowds were partially disrupted by episodes of violence and disorder. Local authorities argued that the iconic avenue had shifted from a space of celebration into a setting of public safety challenges.

Some local officials from the 8th arrondissement called for a strict ban on gatherings on the famous avenue, claiming that repeated incidents of vandalism, clashes with police, and property damage highlight the limits of current preventive security strategies. They argued that authorities are increasingly facing organized groups that are difficult to control during large public events.

However, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez dismissed the proposal, describing it as a “bad idea” that would not solve the underlying issues. He emphasized that preventing access to the Champs-Élysées would require an excessive deployment of police resources and could simply displace crowds to other areas of Paris.

According to security officials, the situation had been largely anticipated, with law enforcement deployed in advance to manage expected tensions. While some disturbances occurred, authorities stated that key commercial areas did not suffer major damage.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions in France between maintaining public order during large-scale celebrations and preserving open access to symbolic urban spaces. Officials continue to search for a balance between security measures and the right to public gathering.