Pruntrut, Switzerland — July 18, 2025 – The Swiss municipality of Pruntrut, located near the French border in the Canton of Jura, has imposed a ban on French day visitors entering its public swimming pool unless they reside in Switzerland, hold a valid work contract, or can present hotel booking confirmation. The decision has prompted protests, divided local opinion, and triggered international media attention.G.Business reports, citing NUME.ch, that the measure primarily affects residents of nearby French towns such as Montbéliard, Delle, and Belfort, who for years regularly crossed the border to use the facility.

Official reasoning: security and repeated incidents

According to the municipality, the decision follows over 20 recorded incidents this summer involving aggressive behavior, harassment, and disruption of public order at the pool. Authorities stated that the disturbances were largely caused by groups of young men from France, many with a migrant background.

A municipal spokesperson said the restriction was enacted to preserve safety and calm at the facility, particularly for families during the high season. “This is not a political message, but a practical step,” the spokesperson told local media.

Reaction from French residents: frustration and exclusion

The decision has provoked sharp criticism in the French town of Montbéliard, where many feel unfairly targeted.

Adel, a café owner, told BILD.de: “We used to go there with our children. Now, because of a few who may have caused trouble, we’re all being treated the same. To us, this feels like an act of racism against Muslims.”

Salim, 41, added: “I’ve gone there with my children many times. Now they won’t let me in. That’s unjust.” Both said they now plan to spend their free time in Germany instead, citing swimming pools and theme parks such as Europa-Park in Rust as alternatives.

Mixed reactions in the region

Not all responses were critical. Other French residents expressed understanding for the Swiss move.

Martine, 65, a retired teacher, said: “I think the Swiss are right — they are protecting their citizens’ peace and safety.”

Matthis, 21, agreed: “If people don’t behave properly, it’s reasonable to stop them.”

Sascha, 47, added: “Why should the Swiss have to solve a problem the French government has ignored?”

Many residents also noted that public pools in France have frequently been closed due to similar issues, including staff harassment and group disturbances.

Observations at the pool raise profiling concerns

During a return visit by BILD reporters, there was no formal ID or hotel check at the pool entrance. Instead, a cashier reportedly assessed visitors visually and allowed entry without asking for documents. Critics argue this practice raises concerns about arbitrary or appearance-based gatekeeping, potentially amounting to racial profiling.

Media coverage and legal review

The case has drawn extensive press attention across Switzerland, France, and Germany. In addition to BILD, major outlets such as WELT, Focus Online, Le Parisien, and France 3 have reported on the situation. BFMTV described the move as a “shock decision at the border,” while Süddeutsche Zeitung published a commentary calling it “a symptom of deeper failures in integration policy.”

Human rights organizations in France are now examining the legality of the measure under European non-discrimination law. Legal experts in Switzerland note that while municipalities can impose local access restrictions, such policies must meet proportionality standards and avoid targeting protected groups.

A wider trend across public pools

The situation in Pruntrut is part of a broader pattern. Public swimming pools across France have reported increasing closures due to violence, overcrowding, and security risks. Swiss pools in border regions — such as Geneva, Basel, and now Pruntrut — are increasingly under pressure from cross-border visitor flows, particularly during peak summer months.

The debate now extends beyond local management into broader questions about migration, border governance, and the limits of tolerance in public spaces.

Stay connected for news that works — timely, factual, and free from opinion. Learn more about this topic and related developments here: chwoot: he sudo flaw that turns local Linux users into root – in seconds