Dinard, Nice, Marseille, Nogent-sur-Marne, La Madeleine and even Angoulême. Amiens has joined the list of cities having adopted an anti-begging decree, mainly in their center. A test scheduled until August 31 but which is already causing a big stir.
Several associations such as The Human Rights League (LDH), Citizen Maraudes and Le Marché Solidaire Amiénois indicate that they have taken legal action to overturn or suspend the decree as was the case in Angoulême or La Madeleine. This is an appeal for annulment, accompanied by an interim suspension which will be examined on May 13 at 2 p.m. at the Amiens administrative court. “ The LDH does not accept, will not accept, this hunt for the poor which combines denial and stigmatization, with disregard for human dignity. », Says the association chaired, in the Somme, by Michelle Leroux.
The pedestrian part of Rue de la République does not appear in the list of streets concerned
Conversely, others, such as opposition municipal councilor Renaud Deschamps (without label) point out an inconsistency in the Amiens decree that he supports. “ The pedestrian part of Rue de la République is not included in the list of streets concerned. This part which brings together around ten businesses is sometimes wrongly considered as “Place Gambetta” but this is not the case. Your order thus drafted would prevent any action by the police in the event of begging in this part of the street. However, in fact, it already exists there in a passive sitting manner, as well as an active standing one. Also, I suggest you modify your order », he wrote to the mayor.
Indeed, on closer inspection, this small pedestrian portion of Rue de la République (as evidenced by the street sign), between Place Gambetta and Rue des Jacobins, does not seem affected by the decree. It is not uncommon to come across people begging there.
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Finally, remember that violation of the ban is punishable by a second class fine (article R. 610-5 of the Penal Code), i.e. 150 euros maximum. “ In the criminal procedure, the municipal police draw up a blank report which is transmitted to an officer of the public prosecutor who, in view of the elements, the circumstances and the background of the accused, determines the amount of the fine which can therefore go from 0 to 150 euros. The accused then receives a criminal order for which he must pay the amount of the fine plus court costs. », replies the City.
From one doctrine to another: a slow evolution
In April 2015, the problem of begging (active or passive) already arose for the municipal majority, the same as today. At the time, Renaud Deschamps, then deputy mayor for commerce, believed, in essence, that the adoption of an anti-begging decree in the city center was not on the agenda but that it could will become so in the future in the event of an influx of complaints from traders. In 2022, the subject resurfaces on rue de Noyon where traders, exasperated by nuisance of all kinds, say they are exhausted and make it known via a petition.
Once again, the City does not want to resort to an anti-begging order. “ We can debate it but it is not the will of the mayor who is very humanist. Poverty is there, we must not hide it », justified Nathalie Lavallard, deputy mayor in charge of commerce. Change of tone in March 2024 with the implementation, on an experimental basis, of an anti-begging decree in the city center until August 31. Provoking an outcry in the ranks of left-wing oppositions and associations and unions. Less than two years before the Municipal Elections, Brigitte Fouré, candidate for re-election, recently explained this by highlighting growing insecurity and nuisances linked to begging and especially the fear of seeing many homeless people flock to Amiens fixed asked to leave Paris with the Olympic Games this summer. “ Perhaps now is the time to test this decree for a defined period and see what happens. We will then take stock. »
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