After having caused 24 hours of new tensions in the Alpes-Maritimes, the leaders of the Zavatta-Muller circus arrived in the night from Monday to Tuesday in Antibes with the idea of staying there at least “a fortnight”, had explained Franck Muller to 20 minutes. The prefecture has made things clear: they will have to leave the premises on Sunday, at the latest.
“In the negotiations, it was agreed with the circus people that this occupation should allow them to park and rest and then continue their journey towards the department of Var where the circus said it had to settle from April 17”, recall the state services.
“Research in agreement with municipalities”
First installed in the parking lot of a sports complex, the convoy arrived Tuesday morning on a private plot, with the approval of its owner and the prefect. As the agreement given is part of “the management of a crisis”, “it is now up to the company to pursue […] its research in agreement with the municipalities” and “to leave the premises no later than April 16 as it had undertaken to do so”, concludes the prefecture.
Except that the Circassians would no longer have a solution. “It’s fine to tell us to leave on Sunday, but Fréjus no longer wants us to set up the marquee”, explained Franck Muller to Nice morning. “It’s possible that we stay in the department [des Alpes-Maritimes] for the next two weeks,” adds the manager, explaining that they were “touring the towns” to find a new base.
In the meantime, circus officials, who are increasingly denied the right to perform, communities accusing them of using wild animals, had announced a first show on Saturday in Antibes. And it is maintained, according to them. While the municipality had let it be known on Tuesday that “no representation will be authorized”, a decree should prohibit them “for reasons of hygiene and safety”.