Massive Protests Erupt Against 'Mega-Basins' in Deux-Sèvres
Fifteen months after violent clashes in Sainte-Soline, around 5,000 opponents of 'mega-basins' have gathered at the 'Water Village' in Deux-Sèvres. These water storage structures, designed to meet the needs of the agro-industry, have sparked significant controversy. Authorities have noted that approximately 10% of the demonstrators are 'black blocs,' raising concerns about potential violence during the demonstrations planned for Friday and Saturday.
Heavy Security Deployment Amid Fears of Violence
In response to the anticipated unrest, more than 3,000 gendarmes have been mobilized around Melle, a town near Sainte-Soline. This comes after the previous demonstration resulted in over 200 injured demonstrators and around 40 injured gendarmes. The authorities have also identified 450 individuals known for violent activism, including 123 on 'S files.' The police have seized 1,600 items, half of which are considered weapons, including axes, knives, and crowbars.
Demonstrations and Government Response
The demonstrations, which have not been authorized by the prefecture, are planned to target newly built or under-construction basins on Friday and major agro-industrial complexes on Saturday. The authorities have banned these demonstrations, citing the presence of violent elements among the protesters. The Rural Coordination, an agricultural union, has called on people to defend their farms against what they describe as 'small environmentalist groups.' However, the protest organizers insist that their actions are not aimed at farmers but at opposing water-grabbing projects.
- The 'Water Village' has become a hub for workshops, conferences, and training sessions focused on water issues. Participants, including members of the Bassines Non Merci (BNM) collective, Earth Uprisings, and Extinction Rebellion, view the camp as a place of exchange and energy. They argue that the struggle against 'mega-basins' is growing and becoming more refined over time.
- The authorities have expressed concerns about the safety of local residents and farmers. The prefect has urged them to remain calm and avoid intervening on their own in case of property concerns. The Association of Irrigators in Vienne has filed a complaint against the town of Melle for allegedly providing a base camp for radicalized groups.
- The conflict over 'mega-basins' highlights a broader debate about water management in the face of climate change. Supporters of the basins argue that they are essential for the survival of farms, while opponents see them as a form of water grabbing by the agro-industry.
