After several hours of tension and the intervention of the police, municipal staff were able to leave the scene at the end of the afternoon. Outgoing mayor Pierre-Yves Dermagne and other members of the college were placed under police protection.
On Tuesday, the situation became calm again. “Fortunately, there was no more fear than harm.”resituates Pierre-Yves Dermagne, outgoing mayor and deputy Prime Minister. “I was in Brussels, at the PS headquarters, when we learned that the demonstration was starting. Seeing that tension was rising, I quickly returned to Rochefort. On the way, I was informed that some demonstrators were planning to go to my home as well as that of François Bellot (MR). My two children were alone at home… The police decided to place my residence under surveillance, given the tense situation in front of city hall. It was a truly distressing situation.”
Scenes of chaos in Rochefort: the day after the municipal elections, the @venir Citoyen demonstration turns violent (video)
Witnesses who were on site report a chaotic climate. Demonstrators armed with iron bars, civil servants attacked. The reception staff were terrified by the aggressiveness of the protesters. One alderman even felt unwell and had to be evacuated by ambulance. Death threats were made, with phrases such as “You won’t get out of here alive.”.
“These moments are always difficult to live through, and it is not to endure such things that I got involved in politics,” continues Pierre-Yves Dermagne. “Yesterday was a very shocking moment of worry and anxiety. New demonstrations are announced for today, and rumors are circulating that other actions will be organized. What happened yesterday is unacceptable!”
“Fortunately, it did not end in tragedy, but the concern was palpable, to the point that the police present in large numbers had to intervene to allow people to leave the town hall. Such a virulent and aggressive reaction, it This is completely unprecedented. I understand that, the day after the elections, supporters may be disappointed, it is entirely legitimate. I myself have already been disappointed by electoral results. However, we must be able to express our opinion. discontent peacefully, with respect for people and their families.”
Pierre-Yves Dermagne plans to file a complaint.
Related News :