Reims officials and residents gather to condemn pillage and vandalism

On Monday, October 19, approximately 300 people gathered on the esplanade Simone-Veil in Reims to condemn recent acts of pillage and vandalism following weekend disturbances.

Condemning the Violence on Esplanade Simone-Veil

The short citizen gathering answered a call issued by the Association des maires de France. Participants included local elected officials from the municipal council across political lines, alongside residents affected by the unrest that occurred on the margins of demonstrations on Saturday, October 17.

Valérie Beauvais, first deputy mayor of Reims, addressed the crowd during the calm and solemn ceremony. We are gathered to denounce with force the acts of pillage and vandalism and condemn them firmly and without ambiguity, Beauvais declared.

Arnaud Robinet was away carrying out his duties as president of the Fédération hospitalière de France.

Solidarity and the Priority of Public Order

Beauvais expressed complete solidarity with mayors, local merchants, and residents impacted by what she described as an unprecedented wave of ransacking and vandalism. She emphasized that restoring public order remains the top priority to ensure that all public liberties are guaranteed.

Face to the violence, our Republic will not cede to fear, Beauvais stated, delivering what she called a clear message to the community.

While the gathering struck a defiant tone against the destruction, the event bore a striking resemblance to a prior demonstration held at the exact same location in July 2023. Following the riots sparked by the death of Nahel Merzouk, local leaders assembled on the esplanade Simone-Veil and used nearly identical language to denounce public disturbances.

Residents Fear Events Benefit the National Rally

Among the onlookers and residents who stopped to watch the proceedings, feelings of sheer astonishment, anger, and deep weariness predominated.

I strongly fear that these events create a boulevard for the National Rally, one local resident confided during the assembly.