Paris: Homeless living in outdoor camps continues to rise • FRANCE 24 English

Homelessness in Paris & the Mayoral Race

Key Concepts:

• Homelessness in Paris: Increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness, with a diverse demographic profile.
• Social Cleansing: Policies and practices aimed at displacing marginalized populations.
• Solidarity Big Bang: A proposed comprehensive plan to address homelessness, involving significant investment and coordinated action.
• Triage Centers: Temporary facilities used to provide basic services to people experiencing homelessness, often seen as a displacement tactic.
• Exile/People in Exile: Individuals fleeing persecution or conflict in their home countries.

1. Current Situation & Demographic Profile

As of last year, approximately 3,500 people were sleeping on the streets of Paris. A new annual count is underway, and preliminary indications suggest the number will be slightly higher. A significant portion of the unhoused population (around 50%) are foreigners seeking refuge, particularly from Afghanistan and Sudan, fleeing conflict and persecution (Taliban regime, genocide in Sudan). The population also includes minors, families, sex workers, drug users, and French citizens experiencing hardship due to divorce or depression. Paul Alozzi emphasizes the diverse range of profiles among those marginalized and forced to live on the streets.

2. Rising Numbers & Systemic Failures

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Paris has been increasing annually for at least eight years. Alozzi attributes this to a systemic failure by authorities to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness. He criticizes the current approach as focusing on “social cleansing” and “police harassment,” aiming to hide poverty rather than solve it, often through the use of triage centers in other regions. He asserts a genuine plan to tackle homelessness is lacking.

3. Homelessness as a Campaign Issue

Homelessness has emerged as a central issue in the current Paris mayoral race, a significant achievement for the collective Alozzi represents. Every major candidate is now addressing the issue, though not always constructively. The collective’s goal was to elevate homelessness to the forefront of the campaign, and they have succeeded. The focus now is on ensuring candidates propose and commit to “real solutions” if elected.

4. The "Solidarity Big Bang" – A 12-Point Plan

The collective has developed a 12-point plan, dubbed the “Solidarity Big Bang,” to address homelessness. This plan was created through collaboration with various associations providing outreach, medical care, and social support. Key components include:

• Refugee Camps: Establishing dedicated camps for newly arrived refugees to prevent immediate homelessness.
• Emergency Shelters: Increasing the number of emergency shelters significantly.
• Safe Spaces for Women: Creating dedicated safe spaces for women experiencing homelessness.
• Harm Reduction Sites: Providing safe spaces for drug users to access services and use products.

The total budget for the plan is estimated at 110 million euros, representing approximately 1% of the city’s total budget.

5. Existing Resources & Prioritization Issues

While Paris already allocates 25% of its budget to social programs (including support for people with disabilities and retirees), Alozzi argues that homelessness specifically receives insufficient attention. He states that marginalized populations are not prioritized within the city’s overall budget allocation. The collective intends to continue advocacy and awareness campaigns to push for increased funding and attention.

6. The Link Between Immigration & Homelessness

Alozzi highlights the connection between immigration and homelessness, noting that half of the unhoused population in Paris are immigrants. He contrasts Paris with cities like Berlin and Brazil, which provide initial accommodation (camps or similar structures) for arriving refugees, preventing them from immediately falling into homelessness. He argues that establishing such a camp in Paris could drastically reduce the number of people sleeping on the streets, potentially cutting it in half within weeks. He envisions a camp with dormitory-style accommodations, a health center, and other essential services.

7. Candidate Proposals & Concerns

Candidates are beginning to incorporate elements of the collective’s proposals into their platforms, including mentioning the 1% budget allocation and the need for emergency shelters. However, Alozzi expresses concern that promises made during the election may not be fulfilled after the election. The collective is actively meeting with all candidates, seeking commitment from across the political spectrum.

8. Criticism of Campaign Tactics (Rashida Dati)

Alozzi criticizes the campaign tactics of right-wing candidate Rashida Dati, specifically her videos showing her approaching people in tent camps. He argues that these videos are exploitative, offering superficial assistance while failing to address systemic issues. He recounts an instance where a woman Dati offered help to was unable to reach her after repeated attempts, highlighting the disconnect between rhetoric and action. He condemns the practice as “instrumentalizing people” for political gain.

9. Voting Rights & Priorities of the Unhoused

While some unhoused citizens may be able to vote, many are immigrants without voting rights. Alozzi acknowledges that even for those who can vote, survival needs – finding food, accessing social services – take precedence over political participation. Voting is not considered a top priority for individuals struggling with daily survival.

10. Conclusion

The situation of homelessness in Paris is worsening, driven by systemic failures and a lack of prioritization. The collective led by Paul Alozzi has successfully placed the issue at the center of the mayoral race, advocating for a comprehensive “Solidarity Big Bang” plan requiring a 1% budget allocation. While candidates are beginning to respond, concerns remain about the commitment to long-term solutions and the ethical implications of campaign tactics. The collective remains committed to advocacy and raising awareness to ensure that homelessness is addressed as a critical priority in Paris.