Two days after the fire that ravaged Limoges City Hall, Guillaume Guérin continues to demand explanations regarding the circumstances under which such an iconic building could have been destroyed. The Republican mayor was a guest on Darius Rochebin's show "20H Rochebin" on LCI this Monday, October 19th. His appearance comes after Sébastien Lecornu sent him a letter promising the building's reconstruction and complete transparency regarding any potential shortcomings in the safety measures.
On Saturday, October 17, during nationwide protests against the high cost of living, individuals broke into Limoges City Hall and set it on fire. The flames caused considerable damage, including the collapse of part of the roof and the belfry. The building, inaugurated in 1883, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Guillaume Guérin questions the security measures
The day after the fire, Guillaume Guérin strongly criticized the conditions under which law enforcement had to intervene. The elected official believes that the police did not have sufficient resources to prevent the violent individuals from entering the building.
The mayor notably declared that "the republican police force has regressed in this country," a phrase intended to denounce what he considers a weakening of the state's capacity to protect its institutions. His criticisms focus on the organization and resources of the force, and not on the personal commitment of the officers on the ground.
In a letter dated Sunday, October 18, Sébastien Lecornu acknowledged that explanations were needed regarding the security measures at City Hall. The Prime Minister promised that a full investigation would be conducted into the circumstances of the fire and any potential failures in the security system.
Lecornu promises a reconstruction financed with state aid
The head of government also pledged to provide financial support for the building's reconstruction. He believes that Limoges taxpayers should not have to bear the consequences of such a large-scale destruction alone.
The Prime Minister's office wants to expedite the necessary administrative procedures, secure public funding to supplement insurance coverage, and ensure the continuity of municipal services. Sébastien Lecornu also announced his intention to travel to Limoges in the coming days to meet with the mayor and establish a reconstruction timeline.
The affair has now taken on a national dimension. The presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate, as well as several political leaders from both the right and the left, are demanding explanations regarding the organization of law enforcement during the demonstrations of October 17.
On Monday morning, Laurent Nuñez acknowledged a lack of foresight and revealed that he had submitted his resignation to Emmanuel Macron. The President of the Republic refused his departure, preferring to keep the Minister of the Interior in his post to coordinate the security response.
