the State ordered to pay 1.2 million euros to the city of Toulouse for the damage suffered during the crisis

For many months, the city of Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) was one of the strongholds of protest against the movement of yellow vests. The scene of violent demonstrations, it was the victim of significant damage. Justice condemned the State, Wednesday, April 27, to pay more than 1.2 million euros to the city and the metropolis of Toulouse. “We have suffered extremely costly damage, as never before, on the public space (…). It seemed to us that making the local taxpayer bear the cost of these damages alone was unfair”explains Jean-Luc Moudenc, the mayor (LR) of Toulouse.

According to the lawyers consulted by the teams of France Télévisions, it is often difficult to identify the perpetrators during the overflows. The State, guarantor of the maintenance of order, also bears a presumed responsibility in the event of disturbance. “The State guarantees that public order and good order are ensured during these demonstrations, and if damage is committed, the State insures and protects the municipalities against this damage”, says Alexandra Lordano, lawyer specializing in public law. Other cities attacked I‘State in court, like Paris. According to information from France Télévisions, the capital would claim more than 6 million euros.