Mayor Jean-Luc Bris, accompanied by elected officials and numerous residents, spoke to firmly condemn the racist attack in Trappes and La Verrière, expressing the town's solidarity with the victims and their families. He emphasized that silence in the face of such acts would be a mistake, as they attack the very foundations of the Republic and its values.
Faced with horror, Jean-Luc Bris stressed that indignation is not enough and called for denouncing the normalization of hate speech, stating that violence begins with words. He criticized the portrayal of foreigners, immigrants, Black people, Jews, Arabs, or Muslims as a threat, and the 'great replacement' fantasy, which fuel prejudice and permit violence.
The mayor recalled the rise in racist, xenophobic, or anti-religious crimes and offenses, citing statistics from the Ministry of the Interior's statistical service. He called for a cultural battle, denouncing media 'reactionary propaganda machines' that saturate 'common sense' and arm fanatics. He held those in political or media positions responsible for fostering this climate of suspicion.
The Republic, he reminded, is defended by upholding liberty, equality, and fraternity. To those who seek to divide, the gathering demonstrated the town's unity.
“"The Republic is not defended by designating enemies among its own children. It is defended by making liberty, equality, and fraternity live, every day."
Tribute was also paid to the victims, recalling that racism causes harm, sadness, and fear. Injustice and inequality were denounced, questioning why some adults choose violence over dialogue. The importance of everyone's role in building a world where individuals can live freely, without fear of being different, was highlighted. Difference should never be a reason for hatred, but an opportunity to learn about each other.
