The statement from this association, which is very active in public debate, is a positive contribution to the tense situation expected this weekend.
Beyond the commotion, sometimes reflective of each person’s role, it is important to educate and make it clear that the right to protest cannot be associated with vandalism, whether by vandals or not. And that the freedom NOT to protest must also be ensured.
Public order is not only the duty of the state to intervene to prevent law violations but also to allow citizens to exercise their individual freedom of conduct.
Educating is always desirable.
However, this document goes beyond the topic at point 1, and it is inappropriate regarding the “final” proposal: the Prefect “should” negotiate with the “representatives” of the Yellow Vests? But which representatives? And representatives of whom?
“The Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes has announced a sectorized ban on protests in Nice for the Yellow Vests’ act 19. Of course, the presence of a head of state requires security measures. Of course, no one imagines Jean Médecin Avenue in Nice resembling the Champs Elysées during last Saturday’s acts of violence. Moreover, the Yellow Vests in Nice have always shown good conduct during their processions. Therefore, the protest ban requested by those advocating for an entirely repressive approach seems to be the only alternative. However, we refuse to be trapped in the deadlock imposed on us: repression or chaos. Another alternative is possible:
- A political and economic response:
We ask the Government to announce before Saturday the outcomes of the national grand debate and to provide guarantees on the possibility of democratic and social progress through this process: decision-making modalities following the proposals made (social conference? parliamentary debate? referendum?) and the implementation timeline.
- A proportionate and reasoned security response:
The Government has not been able to ensure security and public order without infringing on fundamental freedoms or the physical and psychological integrity of individuals.
We ask the Government and the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes to allow protests in Nice while ensuring everyone’s safety and without resorting to maiming weapons (dispersal grenades and LBD 40).
We ask the Yellow Vests to dissociate from vandals and, if vandals appear, to cooperate with law enforcement to isolate and prevent them from causing harm.
We ask the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes to organize a consultation meeting before Saturday, inviting the Yellow Vests from the Azure Coast to send their representatives and finally establish a dialogue that reconciles the right to protest, safety, and public order.”
