Between automation and extension work, Paris metro lines are being turned upside down. Line 11, which currently runs from Châtelet to Mairie des Lilas, is one such line, as it is to be extended eastwards to Rosny-sous-Bois in Seine-Saint-Denis. Between now and March 2024, six new stations will be built on this line, which used to be one of the smallest in the network. But one of them is causing controversy, because it is to be named after the singer Serge Gainsbourg, prompting a petition to change the name.
The Serge Gainsbourg station is to be located in Les Lilas, just after the current terminus. But voices are being raised on social networks, against the name of a man accused of being "violent, a notorious misogynist and a champion of incest". The petition refers to "Serge Gainsbourg's violence towards women and his paedocriminal, even incestuous tendencies", which are highlighted in the metro station. Jane Birkin, with whom he formed an emblematic couple, spoke of domestic violence and a controlling relationship, in her book published in 2018.
The petition therefore calls on RATP, Île-de-France Mobilités and local elected officials to review the station's name, to highlight another artist. As a reminder, before the extension of line 4, only 7out of 302 metro stations referred to women. A name change in favor of a famous French woman wouldn't seem out of place, therefore, for the creators of this petition and their signatories.
Metro line 11: extension inaugurated this Thursday, June 13
Line 11 of the Paris metro will be extended eastwards to Rosny-sous-Bois. The 6 new stations, including the new terminus in Seine-Saint-Denis, are due to welcome their first passengers from this Thursday, June 13, 2024. [Read more]
Metro line 11: extension inaugurated this Thursday, June 13
