Many rallies in defense of bullfighting were organized this Saturday. In Pau and Mont-de-Marsan, the participants are worried about a bill aimed at obtaining its ban on the whole of French territory. All denounce an attack on the cultural heritage of the south and southwest.
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“It’s really symbolic. We have to go to the places of power, which are the prefectures, to courteously challenge the President of the Republic”, explains André Viard, president of the Union of bullfighting towns in France. Around him, some 800 people gathered in Mont-de-Marsan to express their opposition to the bill aimed at a total ban on bullfighting.
The practice is already prohibited in France, but 56 bullfighting towns, located in the south and south-west of France, benefit from an exemption. However, it is on this exception that the deputy LFI – Nupes Aymeric Caron wishes to return, with his bill. “We ask the president that his majority reject this bill which is draconian and dangerous”continues André Viard.
The same mobilizations took place in several towns in the southwest. They were a few dozen this Saturday in Pau, gathered in front of the prefecture. Deputies, mayors, bullfighters or simple defenders of bullfighting. The proposed law targets traditions deeply rooted in the local culture, say participants in the rally. “I am viscerally against this bill, indignant David Habib, non-registered related MP for the 3rd constituency of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It is that of a deputy from the 18th arrondissement of Paris who wants to codify all of France. That’s not the South West! Aymeric Because we does not know France, our identities, our cultures and our traditions. And one of those traditions is bullfighting.”
It’s not just bullfighting. It is the battle of foie gras, of hunting, of what makes the originality of the south and the south west.
David Habib, non-registered MP for the 3rd constituency of Pyrénées-Atlantiquesat France 3 Pau south Aquitaine
A position also defended by Josy Poueyto, elected in the 1ʳᵉ constituency of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and who presents himself as “a deputy who does not go to bullfights, out of taste”.
On the other hand, I defend them, because I find that it is the cultural heritage of our territory. It’s a gear that is preparing: I do not at all want France to become the France that the deputy Caron proposes to us“.
Dorian Canton is a professional bullfighter. “For a bullfighter like me, who at the moment does not have any opportunities in Spainthis proposal of law jeopardizes my career”notes the young man.
“It also jeopardizes the careers of other bullfighters in France, and of all the bullfighting breeders who have hundreds of heads and who are in danger of extinction. The day the bullfight no longer exists, the brave bull no longer exists”, he worries.
There are 56 bullfighting towns in France. There are between 4 and 5 bullfights per feria. Each time, we hire breeders, bullfighters, it represents an exceptional saving. Not to mention restaurants and bars.
Dorian Canton, professional bullfighterat France 3 Pau south Aquitaine
A delegation of elected officials obtained an interview with the chief of staff of the prefect of the department, to whom they gave a symbolic motion in defense of cultural freedom.
Aymeric Caron’s bill will be examined on November 24 in the National Assembly. It appears in fourth position, and has already been disavowed by the Law Commission. However, Dorian Canton and several bullfighters are already planning to gather in uniform, in front of the Bourbon Palace on November 24 in Paris.