Committee of the Regions

O The European Committee of the Regions today expressed solidarity with the French authorities following the episodes of violence in demonstrations on Saturday and called for listening to the aspirations of youth in democratic debates.

In a letter addressed to the mayors of Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Limoges and to the president of the association of the French mayors, the President of the Committee of the Regions, Kata Tutto, expresses her “deep solidarity” with the French municipalities that were affected by the contempt in the margins of Saturday’s demonstrations.

“It is particularly regrettable that such acts undermine the free exercise of democracy, undermine public debate and contribute to a climate of hatred and distrust within a few months of a presidential election that will be of decisive importance not only for France, but also for the future of the European Union (EU),” he said.

The President of the Committee of the Regions calls for the “concerns expressed by French youth”, arguing that her expectations in terms of “social justice, economic prospects and participation in democratic life” deserve to be heard.

“ Their aspirations are joined by those of many young people in other European countries, also faced with uncertainties and with a desire to find their place in our societies and in the construction of a European future”, he says.

For Kata Tutto, it is important that these aspirations can “express themselves freely and be heard in a democratic debate that respects all”.

“ Violence and contempt cannot replace this debate or hide what is at stake. We have a duty to preserve the conditions for open dialogue between generations, citizens and their representatives”, he says.

Kata Tutto points out that the Committee of the Regions is available to “consider any solidarity initiative at European level”.

“ We will be happy to contribute, together with the French authorities involved and the European networks of local and regional authorities, to joint actions to support local elected people, to promote dialogue with young people and to strengthen the democratic resilience of our territories,” he says.

This weekend, several episodes of violence took place in France during demonstrations against the high cost of living, including looting, fires and attacks on public buildings in several French cities.

There have been serious disturbances and attacks on municipal councils such as Limoges, which has been set on fire and destroyed, or the equally burned-out Lyon tourism office, as well as looting to commercial establishments.