Paris, June 11 – The City of Paris is exploring a controversial proposal to charge organizers of private events for the presence of municipal police officers. A deliberation detailing potential fees was initially added to the agenda for the upcoming Paris Council meeting, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 16, but was subsequently withdrawn.
A Retracted Deliberation Raises Questions
According to Le Parisien, the initial draft of the deliberation outlined a plan to bill private event organizers (such as those for foot races) for municipal police services that extend beyond their basic duties. The document reportedly included specific hourly rates per officer, ranging from 31 to 90 euros.
The city has been considering this extension of municipal police duties for several months. The sudden withdrawal of the deliberation has prompted questions regarding the project’s internal support and legal robustness.
Why the Retreat?
A source close to the matter told Le Parisien that the deliberation was withdrawn to “rework” the text, define a “clear framework,” and “avoid any misinterpretation.” The source also sought to reassure the public, stating, “There will be no question of billing for the security of a school fair or a flea market.”
Political and Union Reactions
The proposal has sparked debate among political figures. Abdoulaye Kanté, an opposition councilor in Paris, questioned the retreat, asking, “If the system was legally sound and politically assumed, why back down?”
Maud Gatel, president of the MoDem, expressed concerns about potential abuses, asking, “I wonder what the boundary will be between organizers who will be billed and others.” She also raised questions about events like “Nuit Blanche” and the “Pride March,” and whether the city would bill itself for these public events.
Municipal police unions have also voiced their apprehension, particularly regarding their exclusion from initial discussions. Tarik Maouchi, secretary of the UNSA Municipal Police of Paris, commented, “Does this reflect the degree of consideration that elected officials may have for trade unions? Too early to say.”
Context and Future Steps
The discussion surrounding the arming of municipal police in Paris has been ongoing. Emmanuel Grégoire, a Socialist Party deputy, previously stated that if the question of arming municipal police with lethal weapons were to arise, he would hold a referendum.
This initiative comes as the City of Paris seeks to manage its resources and ensure adequate security for various events. The decision to potentially charge for police services highlights a broader debate about the funding and scope of municipal police responsibilities.
While the initial deliberation has been pulled, the city’s reflection on charging for these services continues. Further details and a revised proposal are expected in the future, which will likely address the concerns raised by politicians and unions.
The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for event organizers and the municipal police force in Paris.
