Mayor of Villeurbanne bans Eric Zemmour’s autograph session.

Former presidential and legislative candidate Erik Zemmour has friends not only in Villeurbanne. The socialist mayor of Villeurbanne (Rhone) Cedric van Stevendal banned on Wednesday, by his decree, the signing session of Eric Zemmour, organized by the Conquest party, because of the risk of excesses.

The announcement of the event “evoked numerous reactions in the media and social networks, highlighting the risk of excesses and violence,” according to a press release from the mayor’s office. The ban was called “scandalous” by Agnès Marion, one of the leaders of the Reconquête in Rhône, citing the “fundamental right to express one’s opinion” and the “duty of all elected officials to preserve this fundamental right”. “Motives go beyond disturbing the peace,” she said, denouncing “denominational” bias. “We are looking into appeals,” she told AFP.

The city authorized “a meeting of the Reconquista party on Saturday, March 25, in the premises of the Central Committee of Culture and Social Affairs for one hundred people,” the municipal press release explains. The Reconquête then announced the registration of about 600 people, exceeding the hall’s capacity.

“There is a big gap between what they said and what they are going to do,” notes Cedric van Stevendal. Moreover, according to him, “this event cannot take place without the risk of disturbing public order, threatening the safety of people.”

“Eric Zemmour – Preacher of Hate”

“Everything opposes me to the ideas and values ​​that Eric Zemmour stands for. This far-right polemicist, convicted several times for inciting racial hatred and racist slurs, advocates values ​​that are at odds with those that make up the history and identity of Villeurbanne, ”added the mayor of the city in a press release. “Living together, tolerance and respect for differences. The entire municipal team is mobilized to translate these humanistic values ​​into daily activities. Eric Zemmour – preacher of hate; we are the masters of harmony,” he concludes, in other words justifying his decision.

Public order was indeed under potential threat. Thus, the anti-fascist group La Jeune Garde, very active in Lyon, called for action against the autograph session on social networks. The mayor also recalls the “special” situation in the country, where the police are “already especially mobilized” for demonstrations against pension reform.

Cédric Van Stevendal adds that he “remains strongly committed to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly”, mentioning Reconquête’s ability to reserve the municipal hall. The arrival of Eric Zemmour to promote his latest book, I Haven’t Said My Last Word, has already sparked a backlash among the political parties and trade unions of Villeurbanne, a city with deep left roots. The PCF “denounced” his presence, the LFI “strongly opposed”.