The mayor of Orléans denounced the arrival of hundreds of homeless people in the city from Paris, arriving “stealthily” on a bus every three weeks for nearly a year. Serge Grouard, mayor of Orléans, requested explanations from the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, regarding this issue. He stated that the city is not meant to accommodate such a large number of homeless individuals.
In October, a collective of over 60 organizations launched a campaign to raise awareness about the risk of social cleansing during the Paris Olympics. They expressed concerns about displacing homeless individuals, reducing emergency housing, and closing support services. The government also faced controversy for offering compensation to students who would be evicted from their accommodations during the competition.
The mayor mentioned a potential link to the Paris Olympics but stressed that he did not have certainty about it. He expressed frustration with the vague responses from government services regarding these arrivals. The mayor’s investigation revealed that a total of 500 homeless individuals had arrived in Orléans since May 2023.
The mayor emphasized that these arrivals were done discreetly, which he found particularly shocking. He raised concerns about the city becoming a hub for homeless individuals. Despite his efforts to investigate, he faced evasive responses from government agencies.
Overall, the mayor’s concerns highlight the need for transparency and accountability in addressing homelessness and social issues in cities like Orléans. The risk of social cleansing during major events like the Paris Olympics should be taken seriously to protect vulnerable populations.
