Avignon faced riots on October 17, prompting mayor Olivier Galzi to implement security measures and confront political tensions in the city.
Riots in Avignon on October 17
Avignon experienced riots on October 17, according to Mayor Olivier Galzi. The events involved vandals and demonstrators, leading to damage to public property and attacks on businesses. Security measures tested and re-implemented
The city had tested a security device to prevent the city center from being invaded by vandals. This measure proved effective during the October 17 events and was successfully re-implemented the following Saturday. Enhanced police presence and reporting system
Avignon increased police staff and improved strategies to protect the city center. Demonstrators were confined to the outside of the city walls, and an application was set up for merchants to report incidents or suspicious behavior. City walls restored to their original purpose
The city walls were restored to their original function of protecting the city. Galzi emphasized the need to protect residents, merchants, and public facilities, drawing lessons from October 17 to avoid repeating the same scenes. Confusion among demonstrators and violent groups
Galzi noted the fusion of demonstrators, vandals, and looters as a problematic issue. He highlighted the presence of ultra-left elements among the demonstrators, as well as some far-right elements. Ultra-left militias attacked the prefecture, and individuals in the procession attacked businesses. Public response to violence and political tensions
Two days after October 17, Galzi organized a gathering at the city hall to "say stop" to the violence. He was attacked by demonstrators, including far-left militants who disrupted the meeting. However, Avignonians present physically pushed the militants out, allowing the message of mutual respect to be heard. Avignon as a political laboratory
Galzi views Avignon as a laboratory for what is happening in France, noting the presence of a powerful ultra-left and far-right in the city, as well as social and ethnic fractures. He criticizes Raphaël Arnault, a local deputy from La France insoumise, for contributing to the radicalization of the political debate. Links to national political strategies
Galzi links the local movement in Avignon to the political strategy of Jean-Luc Mélenchon. He suggests Avignon could be a model for Mélenchon's strategy in the event of an eventual third round in the streets after elections. He also notes that associates of Arnault have been placed under investigation in the case of the death of Quentin Deranque. Financial challenges and efforts to improve city finances
Avignon faces significant financial challenges, including a debt of approximately 220 million euros. Galzi has initiated efforts to improve the city's finances, including hiring additional municipal police officers and considering pricing changes for museums. Political movement and local governance
Galzi's victory in the mayoral election was attributed to his convictions, energy, and sincerity, as well as extensive field work to engage residents. He emphasizes the importance of creating a political movement that unites the center and the right to counter the announced scenarios of alliances between the Socialist Party and La France insoumise or a victory for the Rassemblement national. Founding of a new political movement
Galzi founded the movement Le Bon Sens des Territoires, emphasizing the need for common sense and power to be returned to the territories. He criticizes centralism and calls for a political revolution starting from the communes. His movement has gained traction beyond Avignon, with members in the Vaucluse and elected officials from five regions joining.
