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Avignon’s New Mayor Says Festival Is Not the Place for Palestinian Flags

His control of local subsidies gives him leverage over the event before its 80th edition in July.

Overview

  • Olivier Galzi, speaking on France Inter on Tuesday, said the Festival d’Avignon should not display the Palestinian flag and argued that culture must bring people together.
  • He cited a flag being raised during last week’s program presentation and said the festival director removed the person who did it.
  • He said the Palestinian cause took up too much space at the 2025 edition, though he did not attend that year.
  • No formal policy shift has been announced, but the festival’s roughly €16 million budget includes about €2 million in city and métropole subsidies that Galzi oversees.
  • Planning continues for the 80th edition from July 4 to 25 with 47 shows, nearly 300 performances, and a spotlight on South Korea.