PROTESTS: The procession will finally set off on Tuesday at the end of the morning from the Esplanade de Gaulle and not from the Place de Bretagne as demanded by the unions
The imbroglio lasted several days. In Rennes, the unions had planned to demonstrate for the day of 7th March against the pension reform by starting from the Place de Bretagne as during previous rallies on February 7th, 11th and 16th. A declaration to this effect had also been filed in the prefecture on February 21st.
But a week later, they learned, amazed, that the prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine had issued an order to fix the starting point and dislocation of the demonstration on the Esplanade de Gaulle. According to the prefecture, the configuration of the premises makes it possible to “more easily dispose of the security forces in order to block violent individuals from the ultra-left movement”. The unions believe that it is easier to set off from the Place de la Bretagne, where departures are “quieter”.
“The prefect organizes disorder and confusion”
Denouncing a serious attack on the freedom to demonstrate, the inter-union decided to challenge the prefectural decision before the courts by filing an interim order before the administrative court. At the end of the hearing held on Monday morning, the latter finally rejected the union’s request, giving reason to the prefecture. “We are not going to defy the ban, reacts Fabrice Lerestif, general secretary of Force Ouvrière in Ille-et-Vilaine. But by this decision, the prefect organizes disorder and confusion.”
To express their anger vis-à-vis the prefect, the union representatives have planned to meet this Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Place de Bretagne before heading to the Esplanade de Gaulle from where the demonstration will start. A rally in front of the prefecture of the department is also announced Friday afternoon.
