Lyon's mayor criticizes national response to violence

Grégory Doucet, the ecologist mayor of Lyon, has criticized the national government's handling of the violence that occurred on October 17, saying that the authorities were unprepared for the scale of the unrest.

Doucet rejects blame on Interior Ministry

In an interview with Le Progrès, Doucet denied that the blame should fall on the Ministry of the Interior or the prefect of the Rhône department, Etienne Guyot. He argued that the existing arrangements were not sufficient to address the nature of the violence.

Municipal police's role questioned

Doucet noted that the police resources deployed and the decisions made were inadequate. He suggested that if similar issues arose in other major cities, it would indicate a problem with the national command and the orders given. He concluded that those responsible for maintaining order had failed.

Lyon's municipal police defended

Doucet defended the municipal police in Lyon, explaining that some officers were patrolling the city while others were deployed to protect the City Hall, which was targeted in an attack. He compared the situation to the riots that followed the death of Nahel, where municipal police were again stationed at Place de la Comédie.

Municipal police not trained for such tasks

Doucet emphasized that maintaining public order is not within the municipal police's responsibilities, as they lack the necessary training, equipment, and authority. He acknowledged the frustration of local merchants and residents who questioned him during a visit to the Presqu'île, noting a sense of confusion about what had transpired.