Nice Mayor announces new flag initiatives for primary schools

In Nice, Mayor Éric Ciotti has announced plans to install flagpoles in all 89 primary schools to fly the French flag. The initiative aims to foster a sense of national identity and patriotism among students through regular flag-raising ceremonies accompanied by the national anthem, La Marseillaise. Ciotti stated that the goal is to “make the symbols of the Nation live concretely within schools” and to transmit a sense of belonging to the nation from a young age.

The decision has met with criticism from educational unions. Gilles Jean, secretary general of the SNUipp-FSU union, described the move as an “instrumentalization of the school,” noting that schools already possess flags on their facades and in classrooms. Ciotti has indicated he will work in consultation with the rectorate and school heads to implement the measure.

In a separate initiative, the city of Béziers, led by Mayor Robert Ménard, is moving forward with the introduction of school uniforms. Starting in September 2026, elementary school students will have access to white polo shirts and navy blue sweatshirts featuring the city's crest, following a successful pilot program.