Marseille

Marseille - Citizens’ protests groups in Marseille have claimed that the city is facing its biggest crisis in decades as city-centre residents fear historical buildings, which have turned to slums, could crumble and fall. Grief and fury spread through the heart of the city after eight people were killed in November when two buildings collapsed near the picturesque old port.

Citizens’ protests groups are asking how a city that has spent millions in the past decade on high-profile waterfront museum projects and attracting cruise-ship visitors could abandon residents and architecture to fatal neglect.

In 2015, a government report warned that 40,000 dilapidated and dangerous homes were a health or security risk to 100,000 people, many in the city centre, but campaigners say little was done. Hundreds of families in Marseille have been evacuated from flats feared to be unsafe in recent months. Around 1,000 people – many on low incomes – are still sleeping in hotels, waiting to be rehoused.

Last local news

Evening Update Thursday 25th of April

The Côte d'Azur is on alert for a surge in imported cases of dengue fever. Since the beginning of 2024, a record 1,679 imported cases have been record... Evening Update Thursday 25th of April Read More

25/04/2024

French and Riviera News Thursday 25th April 2024

The post-mortem will take place next Monday for a 33-year-old man whose body was recently found in the Var after being missing for more than a month.... French and Riviera News Thursday 25th April 2024 Read More

25/04/2024

Evening Update Wednesday 24th of April

French scientists have been developing technological tools for the past four years to help athletes optimize their training for the Paris 2024 Olympic... Evening Update Wednesday 24th of April Read More

24/04/2024

French and Riviera News Wednesday 24th April 2024

Nice airport says as many as 60% of flights will be cancelled tomorrow due to a nationwide strike by air traffic controllers.... French and Riviera News Wednesday 24th April 2024 Read More

24/04/2024

Evening Update Tuesday 23rd of April

After eight months of work and several sea trials, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has begun a six-week operation in the Mediterranean, ... Evening Update Tuesday 23rd of April Read More

23/04/2024