Under the influence of eviction and without a fallback solution, La Carmagnole, a local association in Montpellier, “will not return the keys”

Une partie des coopérateurs réunis autour du cofondateur Francis Viguier, ce vendredi 1er mars, à la Carmagnole. ML – Giacomo Italiano

The Carmagnole lease has expired, but the cooperators have requested an extension until October, in order to give themselves time to find a suitable location in Figuerolles.

"This is a historic moment. Our lease ended last night and a bailiff will come on Monday. But we won't give him the keys. We ask to stay while we find another place.

On March 1, Francis Viguier, co-founder of Carmagnole, informed the press that the alternative and solidarity premises of Figuerolles were now illegal.

Despite rents of 1542€ (without charges) paid rubbish on the nail for six years and the absence of neighborhood problems, the association was informed by the owners that it had to leave the premises. "We requested several meetings but they always refused".

Gathered in a general assembly, the 150 cooperators of the place voted unanimously to remain at 10 rue Haguenot. "We will continue to pay our rent. We asked for an extension until October, while we find another suitable location.

This won't be easy. "We are looking for premises of 200 m2 with a room of 120 m2 and enough to fit out a kitchen, a bar and toilets, in the Figuerolles district."

"We are working on three avenues to find premises, continues Francis Viguier. We are contacting private owners, we will submit a file to Aletmed (ex-Serm) and we are in contact with the City.

The mayor and president of the Metropolis, Michaël Delafosse, himself supported the association for maintaining its premises. A support committee made up of people involved in the city ​​was formed.

400 events in six years

While waiting for a solution to be found, this place which has organized 400 events in six years, which brings together thousands of members, and whose support petition had collected 3757 signatures, intends to continue its activities (read box).

“This place is a necessity in the city for democratic debate, adds Francis Viguier. We have also obtained tax exemption for donations to Carmagnole, since we have been recognized as being of general interest since last November.

The rest will probably be played out in court, but the cooperators want to remain confident. "We support the social, environmentalist, feminist movements… There are still a lot of debates to organize." And battles to fight…

Support evening and upcoming events

Gardarem la Carmagnole in Figuerolles! This is the watchword that all those who bring this place to life have set for themselves. And it starts with an evening of support for Carmagnole, this Saturday March 2, from 6 p.m., on Salengro Square. The "Des Kadors" fanfare will be at the party.

As part of International Women's Day, two evenings are planned. On Thursday March 7 at 7 p.m., a debate entitled  "Feminist struggles in the Mediterranean" will be hosted by Caroline Brac de la Perrièrre. followed at 8 p.m. by a dance performance by Olga Magaña from the Ararari Danza company, and at 9 p.m. by “Karawan", Arab-Andalusian songs and music. 

On Tuesday March 12, a contradictory debate on waste management in Montpellier is being organized.

And on Thursday March 14, the evening will be dedicated to Argentina. From 6:30 p.m., screening of the documentary "Mémoire d'un saccage" (2004) by Fernando Solanas. It will be followed by a debate with the Montpellier collective which defends democracy, social rights and the heritage of the Argentine people.

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