Following widespread violence in Paris on Saturday night, which marred the celebration of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Champions League final victory, the mayor’s office for the 8th arrondissement has called for an end to all gatherings on the iconic Champs-Élysées.
The district administration issued a strong statement on Sunday morning, advocating for a “zero gathering” policy on the famed avenue. This comes after the area was engulfed in scenes of chaos and destruction following PSG’s triumph against Arsenal in the Champions League final.
“Saturday evening saw the Champs-Élysées and its surrounding areas transform from a festive space into an arena of urban guerrilla warfare,” the mayor’s office declared. “Since it has become impossible to celebrate a match without descending into rioting, the only sensible response is a new approach: zero gathering.” This directive effectively bans any future public assemblies on what is widely considered the world’s most beautiful avenue.
‘public impotence’ in the face of violence
Catherine Lécuyer, the LR mayor of the 8th arrondissement, painted a grim picture of the night’s events, describing the aftermath as “an indictment of public impotence.” She highlighted “multiple acts of violence against law enforcement, mortar fire directed at police officers and residences, burning of bins and vehicles, damage to police cars, and numerous instances of looting.”
“We are no longer managing overflows; we are enduring them. The preventative strategy has reached its limits. The concept of ‘zero damage’ no longer holds against the organized violence of groups who don’t even bother to disguise themselves as supporters,” the mayor’s office elaborated, expressing fears of a potential “fatal tragedy.” The statement concluded with a stark message: “You don’t channel chaos; you eradicate it.”
Malgré le professionnalisme exemplaire des forces de l’ordre, la stratégie du “zéro casse” a échoué.
— Catherine LÉCUYER (@LECUYERCatherin) May 31, 2026
Nous demandons donc à l’État un changement de paradigme : l’interdiction des rassemblements à haut risque.
Passons au “zéro rassemblement” pour sanctuariser les Champs-Élysées. pic.twitter.com/YMUUcCFF13
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that the disturbances aligned with “the situation we had foreseen and therefore anticipated.” A total of 283 individuals were arrested across Paris and its surrounding region. Approximately 8,000 police and gendarme personnel were deployed to maintain order.
Despite these violent incidents, the planned celebration for the victorious PSG players and the Champions League trophy’s return to the capital is still scheduled. This event will take place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, on the Champ-de-Mars, commencing at 4 PM this Sunday.
