Saudi King′s Riviera holiday sparks anger in France | News | DW.COM

But it has also caused a public outcry, with over 100,000 residents signing a petition against the closure of a public beach outside his villa.

Under French law, the beach is open to the public, with a section for nudists.

THREATS of nude protests and complaints about human rights abuses marked the start of the Saudi king’s holiday on the French Riviera yesterday after the government stirred anger by closing a public beach next to his mansion.

A petition against the “privatisation” of the public beach gathered more than 45,000 signatures in eight days.

The ban had previously been scheduled to take effect when the king arrives later Saturday, but was brought forward to prevent an occupation of the beach before its controversial closure.

The Saudi monarch arrived in Nice on Saturday with a 1,000-strong entourage.

Although beach access is normally open in France, the authorities may close off a part of the coast for security reasons. However, local officials in Vallauris intervened and stopped the illegal construction.

Reportedly a slab of concrete has been poured directly onto the sand to install an elevator.

Vallauris’ mayor has also created to President Francois Hollande in demonstration at unauthorised work completed at the home.

“We understand the security reasons and the nation’s greater interest”.

The king’s inner circle will be put up at the family’s private villa, while some 700 other members of his entourage will be accommodated at top hotels on the promenade in Cannes.

“Clearly this is good news”, said Michel Chevillon, president of an association representing hotel managers in Cannes. “But nobody can exonerate himself from the laws of the land”, Michelle Salucki wrote. The Vallauris authorities acquiesced on condition the elevator is removed after the visit.

“We’re sick and exhausted of this messing around”, one local woman said, quoted by AFP news agency.

“These are people with great purchasing power which will pep up not only the luxury hotel industry but also the retail and tourism sectors of the town”, Chevillon said.

” they should let us get a move, although I could notice itis not abnormal that you might want to guarantee their stability”.