The city of Angoulême, in Charente, has just announced the implementation of a new rule which will apply in its pedestrian streets. This is considered absurd, even revolting by the inhabitants.
The simple fact of moving in the street could become a bit of a headache in Angoulême, a town in Charente famous for its comic book festival. The deputy mayor of the city, Jean-Philippe Pousset, announced the introduction of a new fine which will impact traffic in pedestrian streets. 35 euros may be required for anyone who will remain standing, sitting or lying down in the public space, since your presence can generate “nuisance.” Nuisances not directly defined. The fine may go up to 150 euros in the event of a repeat offence. Sociologist Anthony Pecqueux defines this measure for the Huffington Post as a “damage to the city as a common good.”
This controversial new decree from Mayor Xavier Bonnefont is presented as a measure to combat “abusive occupation of public space”, For “remember the rules of etiquette.” The text provides that will be prohibited “any abusive and prolonged occupation of streets and other public spaces, that is to say by individuals grouped together, immobile or not very mobile, not being in transit and generating nuisances (noise, damage, threats, etc. .) which disturb the tranquility of passers-by or local residents”. The measure was quick to react, both among residents and on social networks.
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A measure deemed anti-homeless
For observers, this measure is far from innocent. This would mainly target young people, travelers, but especially the marginalized and the homeless, who would be the first targets. In the New Republic, the legal manager of the League of Human Rights, François-Xavier Corbel is not surprised. He considers it to be of one “anti-precarious decree […] very classic which seeks to drive out the most precarious city centers without them necessarily generating disturbances to public order.
Mayor Xavier Bonnefont is also used to anti-homeless measures. A few years ago, he caused a scandal by asking that public benches be meshed, to prevent homeless people from resting there. An elected official from the opposition of Angoulême, Raphaël Manzanas, denounces a “total wandering regarding the management of great precariousness and an attack on freedom of movement. Asking 35 euros from people who beg, it’s a bad publicity stunt for Angoulême.” The deputy mayor denies proposing an anti-begging decree. According to him : “someone begging without disturbing the public space is no problem. A person lying in the middle of a pedestrian street, yes.”
Society/Sex/Psycho Journalist
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