Senator criticizes neighbor's measures

Christophe Guilloteau, newly elected senator of the Rhône and president of the Departmental Council, criticized the actions taken by a high-ranking neighbor on Saturday, October 17, in Lyon. He argued that the response to the unrest was not adequately addressing the underlying issues.

Concerns over violence and unrest

Guilloteau expressed concern over the violence that occurred across several French cities, including incidents of looting, fires targeting symbols, and threats to life. He stated that French citizens have a right to be worried about such events and their impact on public safety.

Political interpretation of events

He provided a political interpretation of the unrest, suggesting that history will remember the convergence of struggles against France. Guilloteau accused certain politicians of complicity, claiming they "diabolize the work of police," "legitimize the violence of daily life," or "pact with our aggressors."

Support for security forces

Guilloteau supported the police, gendarmerie, and firefighters mobilized on Saturday, noting the deployment of gendarmerie units equipped with Centaure vehicles. He described these units as an essential bulwark around the prefecture and the Departmental Hotel.

Need for review and reflection

He indicated that an experience review will be necessary regarding the resources deployed, stating that while the security forces have resisted, the risk of wear and tear on institutions is very present. He emphasized the need to question the scale of the measures taken and the ability to anticipate and respond to such large-scale violence.

Call for the Republic to regain authority

Guilloteau concluded that the Republic took a step back and must quickly regain authority. He stressed that the State needs to protect citizens, justice must sanction wrongdoing, and the Republic must hold strong to restore stability.