“This is a rare initiative, commensurate with the brutal measures we are undergoing. It is a frontal attack against our communities, against local democracy,” supported the mayor who took advantage of the moment to castigate “the uncontrolled and abysmal slippage of the state budget”, and therefore the previous Minister of Public Accounts, his opponent on the municipal council, Thomas Cazenave.
Threat of prosecution
The case is resuming today within the walls of the Gironde prefecture. The prefect Étienne Guyot sent a letter to the mayor of Bordeaux “to remind him of the legislation in force relating to the neutrality of public services”. The prefectural authority specifies that “the Council of State, in its decision ''Commune de Sainte-Anne'' of July 27, 2005, clearly indicates that the principle of neutrality of public services precludes the being affixed to the public buildings signs symbolizing the assertion of political, religious or philosophical opinions. This principle has constitutional value. » Étienne Guyot even threatens legal action if the mayor of Bordeaux does not comply with the law “as soon as possible”.
“At no time did the mayor of Bordeaux seek for these banners to symbolize the demand for political opinions”
Except that to the principle of neutrality of public services, Pierre Hurmic opposes the principle of “free administration of local authorities”. He said he “kept to inform the Bordeaux population of the budget cuts which to this day threaten the financing and sustainability of public services. This information is of obvious local public interest. Contrary to the example mentioned in the case law mentioned by the prefect, at no time did the mayor of Bordeaux seek to ensure that these banners symbolize the claim of political, religious or philosophical opinions,” specifies the press release from the municipal majority before stating: “In view of these elements, the mayor of Bordeaux invites the State to respect the freedom of expression of local elected officials who are more and more numerous, from all political sides, to mobilize against the incidences of this finance bill. »
“Wild Posting”
The day after the banners were displayed on the front of the town hall, on November 5, the subject electrified the debates in the municipal council. Thomas Cazenave denounced a “wild display” and Fabien Robert, MoDem opponent, accused Pierre Hurmic of “sullying the common house”. The former mayor Nicolas Florian had sent a letter to the prefect to ask him to have the banners removed…
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