Paris Drives Out Hundreds of Migrants and Homeless People Ahead of 2024 Olympics

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, French authorities have forcibly relocated hundreds of migrants and homeless people from the streets of Paris to the fringes of the city. The latest group to be removed includes largely African migrants, who boarded buses surrounded by armed police on Thursday.

The migrants, carrying small children and backpacks, were forced to leave their makeshift homes and board buses paid for by the French government. Many were happy to have a roof over their head for the night, but few knew what lay ahead once the world’s eyes turned away from Paris.

“I don’t know where I will go, or how much time I will stay,” said Nikki, a 47-year-old homeless Parisian who did not want to reveal her last name.

The relocation is part of a long-standing practice used by French authorities, particularly during major events like the Olympics. Critics have dubbed it “social cleansing,” arguing that it is a form of eviction aimed at clearing the city of unwanted populations.

Activist groups and migrants have accused the authorities of chasing them off the streets, saying the policy of relocation is becoming increasingly aggressive.

“We are taking care of them,” said Christophe Noël Du Payrat, chief of staff of the regional government of Île-de-France, defending the government’s actions. “We don’t really understand the criticism because we are very much determined to offer places for these people.”

The move has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and has raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and homeless people in France.

The buses came after three days of protest by hundreds of migrants and homeless people, who demanded better access to temporary housing and railed against authorities breaking up their encampments.

Among the relocated migrants was Natacha Louise Gbetie, a 36-year-old mother from Burkina Faso who carried her 1-year-old son on her back. Gbetie, who once worked as an accountant in her country, migrated to France five years ago. She was forced to flee her home after an abusive situation and initially made ends meet working as a babysitter and sleeping in public housing.

However, the lead-up to the Olympics saw access to social housing slashed and prices of lodging in hostels soar, forcing her to join the ranks of the homeless. Gbetie felt rejected by the French society, particularly as the anti-immigrant far-right party has gained greater power in the country.

“I think France is saturated. They’re tired of migrants, they want us to leave their country,” Gbetie said.

As the Olympics approach, the city is facing criticism for its handling of the event, with Parisians complaining about everything from elevated public transit fees to government spending on cleaning up the Seine River for swimming instead of investing in the social safety net.