Le Coteau municipal opposition protests Dieudonné appearance

The municipal opposition in Le Coteau has expressed strong disapproval following the decision to allow a public meeting featuring Dieudonné M’bala M’bala. The event, part of Francis Lalanne’s presidential campaign, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the Maison des Sociétés du Coteau.

Opposition members criticized the inclusion of Dieudonné, citing his history of judicial convictions and controversial stances regarding antisemitism, xenophobia, and Holocaust denial. They also noted a recent conviction for apology of terrorism. While acknowledging freedom of expression, the opposition argued that such speech has legal limits and that the association damages the commune’s image.

The municipality defended its decision by citing the principle of equal treatment for all applicants. Officials stated that refusing the reservation request from the ‘Lalanne 2027’ team without a legally justified motive could lead to an annulment by an administrative court. Attempts to host the meeting in Roanne and Mably were unsuccessful due to maintenance issues and insufficient capacity, respectively.