A torchlight retreat, yes, but without a torch. A Facebook event was created several days ago to organize a parade in Lille, the day before the national demonstration against the pension reform scheduled for Friday. An ironic wink, the procession was to roam the streets at night in the form of a torchlight retreat. The prefect said no.
Several organizations are behind this pre-demo in the light of flaming torches. In particular the CNT, Sud Solidaires or even the UCL. The parade was to leave around 6.30pm from the Porte de Paris. The organizers did things right by declaring the route planned in the prefecture. The idea was to propose "strong nocturnal demonstrations which change a little from the usual manifestations", with, as a symbol, the "torches of revolt." "
No torch, no fireworks
This Thursday, the prefect of the North issued an order prohibiting not the demonstration, but "the use of fireworks and flaming torch-type objects. This ban was taken for the municipalities of Lille and Seclin, Thursday, between 4 p.m. and midnight.
To justify this decision, the prefect refers to “numerous incidents and degradations […] noted during the demonstrations against the pension reform project. "He also highlights the potential dangers" which may result from the reckless or ill-intentioned use "of pyrotechnic devices. The authorities fear, in particular, the use of these objects as “weapons by destination towards the police. "
- Pension reform
- Demonstration
- Lille