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Parisian booksellers fight to keep their stalls amid Olympics plans

The iconic green bookstalls along the River Seine in Paris, known as bouquinistes, are facing a possible removal for the 2024 Olympics. The booksellers, who have been part of the city’s cultural heritage for centuries, are resisting the plans and demanding to be respected.

A 400-year-old tradition threatened by a four-hour ceremony

The bouquinistes are a unique feature of Paris, offering a variety of second-hand books, posters, maps and souvenirs to locals and tourists alike. They have been operating along the riverbanks for over 400 years, and have been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

However, their existence is now in jeopardy, as the city hall announced that they would have to remove their stalls for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. The ceremony is set to take place along the River Seine, with a massive crowd expected to watch from the quays. The city hall said that the removal of the stalls is a necessary security measure, as they could pose a risk of people climbing on them or hiding explosives inside them.

The booksellers are outraged by this decision, which they see as a disrespect for their history and livelihood. They argue that their stalls are not dangerous, and that they could be left open or secured with railings. They also fear that the removal could last for months, depriving them of their income and customers.

Parisian booksellers fight to keep their stalls amid Olympics plans

A petition to save the bouquinistes

The booksellers have launched a petition to save their stalls, which has gathered more than 20,000 signatures so far. The petition calls on the city hall to reconsider its plans and to find a solution that respects the bouquinistes and their heritage.

The petition also points out that the bouquinistes are not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of cultural diversity and social inclusion. Many of them are immigrants, refugees or people who have faced difficulties in life. They have found a way to integrate into the city and to share their passion for books and culture with others.

The petition also appeals to the public to support the bouquinistes by visiting their stalls, buying their products and spreading the word about their situation. The petition states that “the bouquinistes are not just boxes, they are people”.

A symbol of Parisian identity and resistance

The bouquinistes are not only a part of Parisian history, but also a symbol of its identity and resistance. They have survived wars, revolutions, floods and fires, and have witnessed the changes and challenges of the city over time. They have also contributed to its intellectual and artistic life, providing a space for debate, exchange and discovery.

The booksellers say that they are proud of their tradition and that they want to continue it for future generations. They say that they are not opposed to the Olympics, but that they want to be part of it, not hidden from it. They hope that their voice will be heard and that their stalls will be preserved as a treasure of Paris.

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