Perpignan's mayor condemns vandalism during protests, expressing solidarity with authorities and supporting local merchants affected by the unrest.
Mayor condemns vandalism and disorder
Louis Aliot, mayor of Perpignan, strongly condemned acts of degradation and vandalism, stating they have no place in a demonstration. He emphasized that such behavior undermines the legitimacy of peaceful protest and the values of the community.Concern over calls for violence
Aliot expressed concern over those who call for violence, chaos, and general disorder, emphasizing that they will have to account for the situation they have contributed to inflame. He warned that inciting unrest could have serious consequences for public safety and social cohesion.Impact on local businesses
The mayor highlighted the impact on local merchants, who lost a Saturday and some of whom had their workplaces attacked. Many small businesses rely on weekend sales, and the disruption has caused significant financial strain for some shop owners.Support for law enforcement
Aliot expressed full support for and solidarity with the authorities and law enforcement, particularly the municipal police, who are mobilized to deal with acts of vandalism, looting, and urban destruction. He praised their efforts to maintain order and protect public property.