“We are undergoing a Toulouse-style apartheid”, plagues the leader of a community of travelers threatened with expulsion
The mayor of Toulouse has asked for the expulsion of travelers from the former exhibition center. The latter consider themselves treated as “sub-citizens”. The summary judge must render his decision within the next few days.
At first glance, the fight seems uneven. This Wednesday, facing the interim judge of the Toulouse administrative court, the lawyer for the town hall of the Pink City, a great specialist in public law, must scrap with Pierre Yung, patriarch of a community of travellers, with a school background. limited but with undeniable swashbuckling skills. The magistrate must examine the request of Jean-Luc Moudenc, the mayor of Toulouse. The city councilor is asking for the expulsion of the 38 caravans which have illegally occupied the parking lot of the former exhibition center on the island of Ramier since December 16. These itinerant French citizens (CFI) had been evacuated from the parking lot of the Bascala theater in Bruguières and had, in protest, blocked the avenue des Etats-Unis in Toulouse for long hours, causing major traffic jams. The lawyer of the commune launches the first banderilla: “They occupy this area without any authorization from the town hall. This place is currently undergoing renovations. There is no element allowing the reception of caravans and ensuring safety or sanitary equipment. This justifies the urgency of ordering the expulsion. In addition, I remind you that the municipal services had proposed to integrate the Rangueil reception area, but they were refused. »
Pierre Yung is bubbling before launching into a long argument that is more political than based on elements of law. “Before, we were left alone, but since this summer, there has been a relentlessness of elected officials against us. We are victims of Toulouse-style apartheid! We have school children, amputees who need care. On request just a place to spend the winter, nothing more! “Blows Pierre Yung to the judge. The magistrate reminds him that he must only decide on the request for expulsion made by the mayor of Toulouse. The decision is expected before the end of the week.