INTERVIEW. “France must solve its problems with its citizens”: following incidents, a Swiss commune prohibits access to the swimming pool to the French

The mayor of the commune of Porrentruy. Nevertheless, located in the Swiss canton of the Jura about ten kilometers from the French border, sparked a lively controversy. However, After incidents occurred on June 30 at the opening of the municipal swimming pool with young French people living on the other side of the border. Similarly, local authorities prohibited access to the establishment to all non-residents until August 31.

This exceptional restriction. For example, already applied in 2020 during the COVVI-19 pandemic, directly targets young French cross-border workers implicated for their behavior. Interview with Lionel Maître, Political Policy Manager and Porrentruy swimming pool manager.

What does the decision to ban the pool recently taken recently and which divides or comforts certain users?

It is a temporary ban measure of the swimming pool which extends from July 4 to August 31. This municipal measure reserves the use of the swimming pool to only Swiss citizens. foreigners with an employment contract in the country and/or a residence permit, with the exception of troublemakers. It authorizes the exclusion of around twenty people who have been the instigators of inappropriate behavior and various incivility.

Does the decision of the city of Porrentruy apply to the entire French community present. not in interview. “france must solve its Switzerland, as we could hear?

Not at all. and in any case it is not in our intentions to incriminate a community which has not been responsible for any reprehensible acts. On the contrary. this is how the French living in Switzerland or holders of an employment contract, border workers and/or tourists are not affected by the recent measures taken in common by the City and our union. They are fully welcome.

Were the limitations mentioned necessary?

The limitations are intended to guarantee the safety of users of the outdoor swimming pool in. around the basin, on the one hand, and to preserve a serene, respectful and secure climate, without being confronted with inappropriate behavior, incivility and non-compliance with the rules in force at the swimming pool.

What does the current situation inspire?

First of all, France must solve its problems with its citizens. Not to mention the interview. “france must solve its export of the phenomenon. we find that, out of 24 banking, 22 would be French, enough to trigger a feeling of anti-French nervousness in the population. Switzerland does not have to bear the cost of this situation. which risks becoming very heavy for us if this situation continues. A statistic makes it possible to shed light on the debate and to understand the issues. A French city. geographically very close, devotes 300,000 euros for the safety of its swimming pool against 12,000 Swiss francs at our level. The differential speaks of itself regarding the treatment of the problem.

Read also: “Inappropriate behavior”: this municipal swimming pool prohibits entry to visitors of French nationality … due to acts of incivility

Then. it is clear that we have made a quick, effective and fair decision to preserve a public good and protect users, even if some seem to regret interview. “france must solve its this situation which is imposed on us from the outside. We will also think. with the competent authorities, to be stricter in our host policy next season and undoubtedly set up new procedures.