The Paris police prefecture has issued an evacuation order for the Gaîté Lyrique, which has been occupied by over 400 migrants for three months. The order, announced on March 17, 2025, requires all occupants without legal rights to vacate the premises by Tuesday, March 18, 2025, according to the prefecture's notice.
This unprecedented action targets the facility located in the heart of Paris, which has seen increasing tensions due to the cohabitation of vulnerable individuals within confined spaces. The prefecture underscored safety concerns, stating, "The occupants without right or title of the Gaîté Lyrique (...) must leave the premises before Tuesday, March 18, 2025," indicating potential police intervention should the order be ignored.
Since December 10, 2024, more than 400 migrants, including many isolated minors, have occupied the venue as part of their demand for shelter and services. The initial occupation began with around 200 migrants who sought refuge and the recognition of their minority status. The situation has escalated, leading to reports of violence and dangerous conditions within the venue, including knife fights and complaints filed against certain individuals.
Laurent Nuñez, the police prefect of Paris, justified the evacuation by highlighting the risk of serious altercations stemming from the cohabitation of so many individuals and the unsuitability of the venue for housing such large numbers. "The facility is not appropriate for accommodating over 400 people, posing high safety risks, particularly in case of fire," the order noted.
The occupation, which has received support from local activist groups, such as the Collectif des jeunes du parc de Belleville, has become emblematic of the broader struggles faced by migrants. These groups advocate for access to fundamental rights, including healthcare, education, and permanent housing solutions. Consequently, calls for protests were announced, urging support for the migrants at the Gaîté Lyrique, with demonstrations planned for the evening of March 17 and the morning of March 18.
On March 17, 2025, approximately 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Gaîté Lyrique to oppose the eviction. Many expressed solidarity with the migrants, urging local authorities to provide sustainable housing rather than force displacement. One protestor stated, "We find ourselves trapped between the threat of being expelled by the police... we will be nearly 500 young people to be put back on the street tonight. Shame!"
Despite the safety concerns raised by the authorities, community support for the migrants remains steadfast. Local advocates maintain the need for appropriate relocation solutions is urgent, criticizing the government’s inability to provide adequate housing options. The statement continues, "The state only offers temporary placements, often positioned far from the city. We don’t need to be moved elsewhere; we want to be supported here."
The situation has not only drawn public attention but has also raised questions about the static policies surrounding migrant care and rights at local and national levels. The City of Paris has assumed security responsibilities for the venue since employees withdrew, but many argue more proactive measures are necessary.
Now, as the deadline approaches, the fate of hundreds of individuals hangs precariously. The order underlines the immediate need for political intervention to prevent what advocates see as homelessness imposed by governmental structures incapable of addressing the underlying issues.
The collective's representatives have publicly decried the eviction as "without solutions," indicating the potential ramifications of leaving these young people vulnerable on the streets. They continue to call on the local government to acknowledge their plight, citing past failures as compromises of their safety and well-being.
Some migrants began to leave the premises voluntarily on March 17, but fears about their immediate futures have created widespread anxiety. With many still unsure of where they will be relocated or if they will receive any assistance at all, the urgent calls for housing solutions and legal recognition of their status show no sign of diminishing.
What remains abundantly clear is the stark reality of the current situation at the Gaîté Lyrique. Authorities must balance public safety concerns with the urgent humanitarian needs of those living within these walls. With time running short, the question of how to effectively support these individuals without resorting to police action weighs heavily on the community and its leadership.
Only time will tell what the outcome of this situation will be and whether the authorities will commit to finding effective housing solutions for these displaced individuals rather than simply enforcing eviction orders.
