French galleries sue government over discriminatory COVID-19 lockdown rules

French art galleries have filed a legal complaint against the government's latest COVID-19 restrictions, which force commercial galleries to close while allowing auction houses to remain open. The Comité Professionnel des Galeries d'Art (CPGA), representing 279 art dealers, argues this violates fundamental freedoms including artistic expression, enterprise, and equality principles. CPGA chair Marion Papillon criticized the government's 'blatant ignorance of our trade,' noting that auction houses can still conduct auctions and host showroom exhibitions. The legal action comes as France faces a surge in coronavirus cases, with daily infections doubling since February to nearly 40,000 and 5,769 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. A court ruling is expected on Thursday, though overturning legislation would be unusual. The Art Newspaper reported that one-third of CPGA members lost over half their income last year, highlighting the economic impact on galleries. The complaint specifically challenges the differential treatment between galleries and auction houses under the new restrictions implemented to curb rising infections.