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Are we heading towards a new ZAD in Sainte-Soline, in Deux-Sèvres? Sunday, October 30, the demonstrators remain strongly mobilized against the project of a large water reserve for agricultural irrigation. The case took on a political dimension over the weekend.
Sunday, October 30, militants destroyed a pipe in Sainte-Soline (Deux-Sèvres). The mobilization against the mega-basins continued throughout the day. It could be anchored in time, since barricades and towers have been erected near the future water reserve. “From these towers, we will be able to monitor the comings and goings of the gendarmerie forces, and indeed be able to monitor the potential return of the diggers, if the government has not yet understood our message”says an activist.
The prefecture, it wishes that the construction site resumes as soon as possible. “We will not allow this legal project to be stopped by opponents”, said Emmanuelle Dudée, the prefect of Deux-Sèvres. On Saturday 29, clashes broke out between demonstrators and the police. 61 gendarmes were reportedly injured, as well as 50 activists. Elected officials say they have been molested. “When I walked towards the police with another France Insoumise deputy, who also had his scarf, we were directly repelled and we were hit in the knees with truncheons”testifies Lisa Belluco, deputy Europe Ecology-The Greens of Vienna.
The basin file has taken a political turn, with elected environmentalists on the one hand who approve of the banned demonstration, and on the other the government, which has raised its voice. Gérald Darmanin reported “about forty people on the ultra-left S” spotted in the event.