Core Points - French President Macron's recognition of Palestine has led to 86 municipalities in France raising the Palestinian flag in celebration [1][3] - Some municipalities faced legal challenges and were forced to remove the flags, highlighting a contradiction between local actions and the government's stance [3] Group 1 - The French Interior Ministry's ban on displaying the Palestinian flag contradicts President Macron's recognition of Palestine, leading to criticism from mayors [3] - The mayors of Nanterre and La Courneuve expressed their discontent, arguing that the government's actions are hypocritical and inconsistent [3] - The Interior Ministry cited concerns over public unrest due to the ongoing Gaza conflict as a reason for the ban on the Palestinian flag [3] Group 2 - According to French law, public buildings cannot be used to express political, religious, or philosophical views, which the Interior Ministry claims justifies the removal of the flags [3] - Despite the ban, the Ukrainian flag has been displayed prominently in various locations, raising accusations of double standards [3] - Legal expert Lionel Crusoe argued that the principle of neutrality does not prevent municipal buildings from expressing solidarity with those facing military aggression [3]