Mulhouse court to decide Papin social center's fate Monday

The future of the Papin social center in Mulhouse will be decided in court on Monday, October 5, 2026, with liquidation possible if no financial guarantees are secured. Staff and volunteers remain pessimistic despite presenting a recovery plan. The center, placed in receivership in November 2025, has cut staff from 25 to 18 and reduced costs by over 180,000 euros. It faces a 480,000-euro debt and has requested 150,000 euros in short-term aid from partners, which they have not yet guaranteed. Local authorities say they are preparing a takeover to maintain public services and jobs, but the association fears losing its autonomy and proximity to residents. Other social centers in Mulhouse are also experiencing financial or governance difficulties.