He didn’t just make friends. In an ultra-offensive speech given Friday evening, the prefect of Brittany Philippe Gustin castigated both the Rennes-2 university and criticized the reaction of the mayor of Rennes, Nathalie Appéré. The state representative lost his temper when faced with the press denouncing the action of “terrorists” linked to the ultra-left, clearly targeting Rennes-2 University. The prefect was reacting to criticism made by the mayor after the violent rally against the Immigration law which was held Thursday evening in the historic center of Rennes. Dozens of businesses and public buildings had been damaged, looted or spray-painted by demonstrators hiding under balaclavas.
“These terrorists have taken up residence in a university called Rennes-2. We knew exactly what was being prepared. We had warned, in particular the president of the university, who did not see fit to act,” said the prefect, denouncing an “omerta”. “No one says anything,” insisted the senior civil servant, who was a Republican candidate in the 2017 legislative elections.
The shadow of Collective Defense still present
This Monday, the prefect received the president of the faculty of human sciences and it is doubtful whether the two men kissed each other. In a brief message, the university “deplores the shocking comments which have stigmatized its entire community”. She also evokes the dismay of staff and students and ensures that she ensures “preserve the safety of people and the integrity of property”. Finally, she deplores that the declarations “damage the image of the establishment”, especially on the eve of open days.
In fact, the university regularly hosts events organized by small far-left groups often involved in anarchist actions carried out on the sidelines of demonstrations. We can notably cite the regular presence of the “DefCo” or “Collective Defense” which the Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin wanted to dissolve. Recently a “legal training” workshop to know “how to prepare for a demonstration” and what to do “in the event of arrest” was held on the premises of Rennes-2 University.
The prefect’s attack on the mayor
Friday morning, the mayor of Rennes, Nathalie Appéré, was very angry after the damage suffered, criticizing the lack of reaction from the police for more than an hour. “I want to understand, like all Rennes residents, why we let this happen,” asked the elected socialist.
Questioned on this point, the prefect Philippe Gustin did not really answer, preferring to suggest that the municipal police intervene. “The texts purely and simply prohibit municipal police from being entrusted with law enforcement missions,” recalls the municipality. Atmosphere.