On June 4, 2025 , the Administrative Court of Dijon suspended a controversial order prohibiting the Palestinian flag issued by Gilles Platret , the former mayor of Chalon-sur-Saône. In its ruling, the court asserted that the order constituted a serious infringement on freedom of expression and trade . Platret had implemented the order after what he described as “riots” following Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the UEFA Champions League final a couple of nights earlier.
“The Palestinian flag has become the rallying symbol for Islamist groups determined to challenge the republican institutions,” Platret had claimed, highlighting his long-standing narratives against perceived threats to public order.
The order prohibited the display of the Palestinian flag in all public spaces within Chalon-sur-Saône, the second-largest city in Burgundy with a population of approximately 45,000 . It also banned the sale of the flag at local markets. Following the issuance of the order, Platret garnered support from the National Rally (RN) and Reconquête parties.
However, approximately 200 people gathered in protest against this prohibition, according to police reports. Clément Mugnier , a leader of the Socialist Party (PS) in Chalon, filed an urgent legal request arguing that the order represented “an infringement on freedoms”. His attorney, Jean-Philippe Morel , defended the notion that “the freedom of a flag is part of the freedom of expression,” characterizing Platret’s move as a political stunt aimed at generating media buzz .
Defender of the ‘French People’
Known for issuing controversial decrees that are often overturned by the judiciary, Platret has previously prohibited menus without pork in school canteens, attempted to enforce the use of French language at construction sites, and even refused to officiate a Franco-Turkish wedding , only to be compelled by the court subsequently.
“The Palestinian flag is not the banner of rioters but that of the defenders of a people and humanity,” said Christophe Sgro , representing human rights associations joining the legal challenge. He acknowledged that the order stigmatizes public expressions of support for Palestine, pointing out that prior to the events on Saturday, “eleven pro-Palestine demonstrations had been held in Chalon with flags and no disturbances.” He criticized what he termed a “racist discourse they have been subjected to from the mayor.”
Platret, absent from the hearing, has repeatedly portrayed himself as a defender of the “French people” against what he describes as ethnic cleansing conducted by “Muslim blocks.” He maintained that the Palestinian flag represents “the banner of violent gatherings,” while his attorney, Julie Callot , claimed the order “prohibits the flag’s ostentatious use” but that “one can certainly protest without displaying it.”