Uproar as Nazi Flag Unfurled in Nice
Fortunately, it was not quite what it seemed...
Anyone passing the Palais de la Prefecture in Vieux Nice this week might have been somewhat shocked to see the red flag with the black swastika of the Nazis draped over the historic building.
Fortunately, it was a prop for a film that is currently being made in the city - but it might have been a good idea for the powers that be to let the general public know first!
Many people were confused as to whether it was intended as a joke, a political statement or some sort of deliberate provocation. According to witnesses, people were shouting and objecting when the flag was unfurled and many were clearly upset. A statement was later issued to confirm that the flag was a film prop and notices were put up to let people know that the area was being used as a film set.
It's not surprising that the sight of the infamous flag caused distress, the Palais is being used as a double for the nearby Hotel Excelsior which was actually used during the Second World War as a point for rounding up Jewish people in order to transport them to the concentration camps. Additionally, many of the small villages around Nice were Resistance strongholds during the war.
