“Let us shout loud and clear that Éric Zemmour is not welcome in Villeurbanne”, wrote the Young Socialists of the Rhône in a press release on Wednesday. They have been heard. The mayor (PS) of this town near Lyon, Cédric Van Styvendael, has just issued an order to prohibit the holding of a Reconquest event! in the presence of its president, invoking “the risk of disturbances to public order endangering the safety of persons” which commits ” [sa] responsibility “. A meeting, organized by this party, was to take place this Saturday, at the Cultural Center and Community Life (CCVA).
The presence of Éric Zemmour had “remained secret” until this weekend, until Raphael Arnault, spokesperson for the Young Guard, an anti-fascist collective, shares this information on the networks. An announcement that had aroused strong opposition reactions.
Fighting the far right “with the weapons of democracy”
Earlier in the week, activists from Reconquête! du Rhône had announced “600 people registered” for this event, relates Progress. According to Cédric Van Styvendael, interviewed by the local media, “the presence of Éric Zemmour was not mentioned in the request – for booking the room – as was the number of people expected – around a hundred -“.
In a press release, the elected official indicated: “The Reconquest Party! was able to reserve a municipal hall as all political parties can do. You don’t fight the extreme right by preventing its ideas from being expressed. They are fought with the weapons of democracy. »