Paris Theatre Occupied by African Migrants

The Gaîté Lyrique theatre in Paris is facing bankruptcy after around 300 African migrants, who were allowed in for a refugee conference on December 10, refused to leave the venue five weeks later. The ongoing occupation has led to the cancellation of all performances, crippling the theatre's revenue, which is largely dependent on ticket sales. Management stated that hygienic conditions are worsening and they cannot forcibly remove the migrants during winter, while local authorities have claimed to seek alternative housing but found none available. The estimated financial losses from the cancellations are in the hundreds of thousands of euros, affecting not only the theatre but also nearby businesses. The situation has sparked tensions between the theatre management, local businesses, and city officials, as they all seek a resolution to the crisis. The Socialist-led Paris council has appealed to the government for assistance, but President Macron's administration has been reportedly reluctant to intervene.