Geneva’s Political Debate Turns Again to Roma Presence in Public Spaces

The names may largely go unspoken in Geneva’s parliament this week, under the stated concern that no particular community should be discriminated against. But the debate is once again about Roma people and their presence in the city’s public spaces.

The issue has occupied Geneva politics for two decades, traditionally through arguments over begging. After two major defeats in court, the cantonal right is preparing to continue the fight under a different heading: the occupation and sanitation of public space.

The subject has repeatedly returned to parliament. According to the Politiveille monitoring tool, about 15 parliamentary items focused on begging in the city center over the past five years alone. Residents are now increasingly concerned about mattresses and temporary camps becoming more visible in their daily surroundings.

In mid-August, Marie Barbey-Chappuis, the City of Geneva’s administrative councillor responsible for security, described the situation as “not far from being out of control.” She pointed to the removal of 13 tonnes of mattresses, blankets and waste, and accused the canton of leaving municipalities to deal with the problem on their own.

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not far from being out of control