Following the clashes that occurred in Nice city center on Saturday, October 24, FACE06, the Tous Citoyens association and the PCF06 condemned the violence committed against protesters. The organizations denounce the assaults attributed to far-right activists and question the conditions of law enforcement.
The mobilization organized in Nice on Saturday, October 24 resulted in CRS interventions, tear gas fire and several uses of water cannons. At the end of the day, clashes opposed protesters to far-right activists in the city center, particularly in the areas of the Post Office Hotel and rue Alberti.
The number of arrests evolved throughout the day. Initial figures reported 61 people arrested, including 11 far-right members. The city of Nice then announced 63 arrests and 56 people placed in custody. Two police officers were injured, while the municipal report states three minor injuries.
The day after the events, several organizations reacted. FACE06, the Tous Citoyens association and the French Communist Party of Alpes-Maritimes condemned the violence, while questioning, to varying degrees, the management of the mobilization and the responses provided by public authorities.
FACE06 recalls the demands of young people
The Federation of Associations and Student Corporations of Alpes-Maritimes (FACE06) condemns the violence committed against protesters and reaffirms its support for the demands of high school and university students.
The organization believes that the clashes must not overshadow the reasons for the mobilization. FACE06 particularly deplores that media coverage focuses on the disturbances, risking relegating young people’s demands to the background.
In its statement, the federation reaffirms its commitment to the right to demonstrate peacefully and to freedom of expression. It emphasizes that participants must be able to make their concerns heard without fear of assault or intimidation.
On substance, the student association maintains its demands concerning study conditions and student poverty. The organization calls for more human resources in educational institutions, replacement of absent staff and infrastructure adapted to the needs of students.
Access to housing, adequate food, healthcare and social assistance are also among the priorities raised. The federation notably demands a revaluation of scholarships and financial measures better suited to the cost of living.
FACE06 finally calls for dialogue with high school and university students, accompanied by specific commitments and monitoring of decisions made by public authorities. In this regard, a meeting is planned this afternoon between student unions and the Prime Minister.
Tous Citoyens questions the police deployment
The Tous Citoyens association criticizes the management of law enforcement by the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Jean-Marie Girier, and the Mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti. It reproaches them for having prioritized repression against protesters mobilized for social demands, while allowing, according to their analysis, far-right activists to act in the city center.
The association describes a group of 70 to 80 individuals dressed in black, often hooded, wearing white armbands and gathered behind a banner “Don’t touch my city.” Tous Citoyens, represented by David Nakache, states that “this double standard is unacceptable.” It demands explanations about the conditions under which these clashes could occur despite the large number of forces deployed.
Tous Citoyens calls for complete transparency on the course of events, prosecution of those responsible for the violence and the dissolution of violent far-right groups.
PCF06 denounces the normalization of the far-right
Julien Picot, departmental secretary of PCF06, also condemned the assaults that occurred in Nice. The Communist official questions the political speeches that, according to him, contribute to normalizing far-right ideas and legitimizing violence.
In his statement, Julien Picot establishes a link between these tensions and the growth of social anger. PCF06 advocates a response based on social justice, with an increase in wages and pensions, reinforcement of public services and better wealth sharing.
The political leader rejects repression as a response to social demands and calls for preserving public freedoms and democracy.
The municipality highlights the absence of damage
For its part, the municipality defends the security deployment on Saturday. A week after the violence and looting of October 17, the city of Nice asserts that the measures taken made it possible to protect shops and public facilities. No shops would have been damaged and no damage to public facilities was reported.
The municipality indicates that 310 municipal police officers and 450 national police officers and gendarmes were mobilized, with the assistance of the CRS and RAID.
Éric Ciotti nevertheless condemned the assaults committed at the end of the day against protesters by far-right activists. The mayor indicated that the perpetrators should answer for their actions in court.
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