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“We cannot forever contest, especially through violence, decisions confirmed by elected officials, the State and the courts,” judges Clément Beaune.
“There cannot be a ZAD and there will be no ZAD on the A69”, said Transport Minister Clément Beaune on Sunday October 22 on franceinfo and France Inter, the day after a demonstration against the highway which is to be built in Tarn. A police operation was underway on Sunday at midday to evacuate the ZAD, set up on site by opponents of the project. Arrests are taking place, indicated Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Nearly 10,000 people demonstrated against the highway project on Saturday, according to organizers. There were 4,900 of them, according to Clément Beaune, of whom “2,500 radicals”. A fire was notably started in a cement factory. “We can demonstrate but not break”denounces the Minister of Transport, specifying that “several dozen knives, iron bars and picks were confiscated” by law enforcement. Two police officers were also slightly injured, according to the prefecture.
“We cannot forever contest, especially through violence, decisions confirmed by elected officials, the State and the courts”insists Clément Beaune who ensures that the project “will be maintained”. “The elected officials want this project, we must hear it,” repeats the minister. Even if he promises that “the dialogue will be maintained”.