The bouquinistes of Paris have confirmed that they plan to take legal action over the removal of their boxes along the Seine riverbanks during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Nearly 130 of the approximately 180 members have voted to take legal action to contest the operation, according to Jérôme Callais, the president of the Cultural Association of Bouquinistes of Paris.
The action is motivated by the fact that Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez, reportedly refused to sign an order that would impose the closure of the bouquinistes, which would be the only way for them to obtain financial compensation.
Their lawyer, Matthieu Chirez, commented that the unanimous vote reflects the high stakes and dramatic consequences of such actions.
According to various reports, the Paris police prefecture, citing safety concerns, announced plans to close certain areas and relocate a reduced number of boxes. This would involve the removal of 428 out of the total 932 boxes secured along the Seine, rather than the initially proposed 604.
However, the reduction in the number of boxes to be relocated is reportedly conditional on the bouquinistes not initiating legal action.
Mr. Callais reiterated their position, stating that the bouquinistes have “nothing to lose” by taking legal action. They will ask for the boxes not to be removed or, as a last resort, for compensation and the “decent and respectful treatment” of their open-air bookstalls, which are part of the French Intangible Cultural Heritage, representing a potential step towards recognition as part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
