Christian Estrosi welcomes the eviction by law enforcement of the squat located at 143 Boulevard de la Madeleine. So do we, because legality is neither right-wing nor left-wing but a republican value.
However, how can one appreciate that the Mayor of Nice, who represents an institution and its various components, adds unnecessary controversies as seen in the last two paragraphs of his statement?
In a period where social cohesion is endangered by a failing economic situation, the option to pit people against each other and to stir up tensions instead of calming them in the name of the common good, solidarity, and humanitarian aid, does not seem the best choice for someone with institutional responsibility.
All this for a handful of votes?
Meager bounty…
Statement from Christian Estrosi
“This illegal situation caused numerous disturbances to the residents of Nice in terms of tranquility, security, and public sanitation (illegal occupation of public roads, litter dumping).
Aware of this unacceptable reality, I have been actively engaged to put an end to this situation, particularly through the commitment of the City of Nice’s Pรดle Action Squat. We encountered difficulties due to the fact that this squat was located on private property.
However, I could not resign myself to this state of affairs. That is why I brought the matter to the High Court in September 2012. As a result of my action, the summary judge ordered, on October 2, 2012, the eviction of the squatters occupying this private house and authorized the city to enter the said property to carry out cleaning and securing work to prevent any further occupation.
Since that date, I have repeatedly urged the State to ensure that this decision is enforced and that recourse to public force take place. That is why I am pleased today with this unexpected action.
However, I regret that the State relocates for free those who usurp private property, an inalienable right attached to the French Republic. Indeed, rather than curbing the phenomenon and reminding these people and networks that France is not an Eldorado, the AYRAULT Government’s action encourages the networks to develop and multiply.
This reality is all the more unacceptable given that a number of our fellow citizens are in situations of great precariousness and that France is experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis.”
