In Ivry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne)the municipal council meeting of July 2 sparked heated controversy. At issue: the adoption of a vow of “solidarity in Mali” proposed by Fenda Diarra, deputy mayor (PCF) Philippe Bouyssou, accompanied by a grant of 46,000 euros over four years intended to finance development projects in the country from West Africa. This wish aims to “express our solidarity with the Malian people, condemn the violence and terrorist acts which strike civilian populations and reaffirm our attachment to the values of peace, fraternity and dialogue between peoples”she said. The twinning between Ivry and the rural commune of Dianguirdé, in Mali, is also highlighted.
The decision aroused incomprehension in the ranks of the opposition, both because of the state of the city’s finances and the degraded relations between France and Mali. Municipal councilor Kevin Nader, leader of the elected representatives of the National Rally, deplored that this sum was not directed towards the Ivryans. “France has already given a lot to Mali. She gave her money, her time, her army, her soldiers”he insisted, listing a list of French soldiers who died during operations Serval and Barkhane, including Master Corporal Maxime Blasco, who fell in 2021.
And to continue: “How did it end?” By the departure of the Frenchby a profound deterioration of relations with Bamako, by a junta which no longer wanted our presence, by the arrival of Wagner and by an anti-French discourse maintained for years (…) How much longer does France have to apologize, pay, intervene, rebuild, finance, sympathize, while part of the Malian authorities designate us as the problem? »
“Misuse of public funds”
Guest of CNews this Sunday, Kevin Nader denounced “misuse of public funds”. “I remind you that Ivry-sur-Seine is a city with a budget of nearly 240 million euros: that’s more than two billion euros spent over 10 years (…) and we still do not see the color of this money”he lamented, repeating twice that “this international vocation of Ivry-sur-Seine expresses the helplessness they have in managing their city”.
On June 12, the elected RN denounced secularism “variable geometry” of the communist majority. His amendment intended to prohibit “wearing a sign or outfit ostensibly demonstrating religious affiliation” was immediately rejected while, at the same time, two municipal councilors, including a deputy, sat wearing an Islamic veil. In protest, he took out a crucifix and recited the Catholic prayer “Hail Mary.” He was subsequently ordered to leave the council by councilor Philippe Bouyssou, then received a reprimand for his actions.
