Could Interpol, whose headquarters have been established in Lyon since 1989, leave the Charles-de-Gaulle quays? The world police organization is too cramped in its premises. It now hosts more than 700 agents, compared to 250 30 years ago. However, the extension project is dragging on. Too much for Gérald Darmanin’s taste. The Minister of the Interior, who had already scrambled with the mayor of Lyon on the deployment of CCTV cameras, did not fail to put pressure once again on Grégory Doucet.
The tenant of Place Beauvau sent him a letter on Tuesday to warn him of a possible departure from the police institution. The missive, relayed by Progress, was also addressed to Bruno Bernard, president of the metropolis of Lyon, and to Laurent Wauquiez, president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Several countries in the ranks
“Several countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, have positioned themselves to fund and host the executive leadership of the police services. This transfer would initially leave Lyon only a symbolic shell, shortly before an inevitable departure from headquarters, ”he recalls, urging local authorities to put the money needed to finance this extension, estimated at 40 million. euros at the very least.
The mayor of Lyon reserved his answer at the microphone of Europe 1. “This is not how it works”, annoyed the ecologist, explaining that he had no file “in his hands”. “Do you know a private investor who puts money on the table without knowing what he is going to invest in?” When it comes to public money, we must be even more rigorous, he emphasizes. It is amateurish, or else it is a political com ‘coup. “
Response required before November 23
The elected official, who says he is “attached” to Interpol staying in Lyon, did not fail to raise the question of the future presidency of the institution. The Emirati General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, candidate for the post, is currently the subject of a complaint for acts of torture.
Lyon is fulfilling its part of the contract vis-à-vis Interpol so that it can exist in our territory.
But there can be no financial commitment from the city unless the project is presented in a coherent round table with the State and its partners.https://t.co/BldMSaNjpH
– Grégory Doucet (@Gregorydoucet) November 3, 2021
For his part, Laurent Wauquiez said he was “ready to participate in the collective effort” provided that the other two communities participate “in the same proportions” in the financing of this extension. However, we will have to decide quickly. The Minister of the Interior gave them an ultimatum: response expected before November 23.