In anticipation of tomorrow's demonstration day, the Mayor of Perpignan, Louis Aliot, has announced the identical renewal of all exceptional resources deployed on October 24th. In agreement and synergy with state authorities – the Prefect, the Public Prosecutor, the Director of National Police, and the Colonel of the Gendarmerie – the city center's security deployment will therefore be maintained at its maximum level.
Given the risk of disturbances, looting, and vandalism, all municipal resources remain aligned to ensure the safety of local businesses and citizens. Highly mobile rapid intervention units composed of municipal police officers will be re-established, complementing usual control measures. Cleanliness service agents will be fully mobilized for immediate cleanup. Similarly, the request has been reiterated to the Urban Community services to remove any objects from public spaces that could be used as projectiles (trash cans, scooters, etc.). The reporting platform for businesses, enhanced video surveillance, protection of sensitive sites, and the crisis command center will be operational throughout the day.
Louis Aliot expressed his deep understanding and full support for the shopkeepers, deeming it intolerable that their Saturdays, crucial days for their activity and the local economy, are systematically preempted and sacrificed. He emphasized the urgency for the Government to take responsibility and find a swift resolution to this crisis, while urging those fanning the flames to 'regain their senses'.
The mayor also sent a firm message to the 'apostles of the 'Grand Soir'', urging them to consider demonstration routes away from city centers. He recalled that experience has shown that even a route on the edge or immediate periphery of the center paralyzes access and proves deeply detrimental to business activity and daily life in the city core. While claims regarding purchasing power and the cost of living may be legitimate, they do not justify holding city centers and the activity of shopkeepers hostage.
