On Sunday, the result of the first round of the legislative elections could lead to new demonstrations. In Rennes, in businesses often targeted by thugs, we expect a turbulent evening. Conversely, in outer communities, traders are not worried.
In Rennes, since the results of the European elections and the announcement of the dissolution of the National Assembly, demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose the extreme right. Shopkeepers in the city centre are therefore expecting rallies on Sunday evening.
There is an element of worry because you never really know what could happen. Let’s imagine a stone or a flashball that deviates from its trajectory.
Malvern Grosset-PeltierManager of an electronic cigarette store in Rennes
Malvern Grosset-Peltier is responsible for an electronic cigarette store and according to him, his store is not immune to damage: “There is a certain amount of worry because you never really know what could happen. Imagine a stone or a flash-ball that deviates from its trajectory or groups of people who stand right in front of the shop, a badly placed shot, and it’s for us.”
Banks, targeted in previous rallies, are keeping their signs on their windows. For his part, Charlie Benevolo, a bartender, fears a drop in attendance: “There are customers who are not going to come because there is a risk of demonstrations with gassing, tear gas, stun grenades and they fear for their safety. This is clearly a loss of income for us.”he concludes.
Following the RN’s victory in the European elections, around fifteen businesses were damaged, according to the traders’ association “Le Carré Rennais. Laurence Taillandier, its co-president, hopes that the situation will calm down: “What we can hope is that there will be enough perspective to accept the democratic vote and that the merchant will no longer be the first target of those who do not see things the same way.”.
The situation is different on the outskirts of Rennes. In Bruz, a neighboring town, there are no particular concerns. For Jules Courtel, manager of the bar l’Ostal, “Here, it’s not like in Rennes. We don’t feel any tension. It’s quite a dormitory town. We think that people will go and vote and return home peacefully.” Verdict Sunday evening.
(With Antoine Calvez and Antoine Joubeau)
