Clash Erupts Between Pessac Municipality and "Le Nouveau Cirque Est Roi"
A fierce legal battle has ignited between the municipality of Pessac and the circus "Le Nouveau Cirque Est Roi." The circus has set up its trailers and vehicles on Place du Parc Pompidou, provoking a swift response from the local authorities.
Municipality Condemns Illegal Occupation
Pessac Mayor Franck Raynal denounced the circus’s presence as illegal. "No application was submitted for the circus to settle here, and in any case, we would have refused," Raynal stated. "The site has been protected from any occupation for the past two years as we intend to reintroduce vegetation."
The circus, which plans performances from February 22nd to March 9th, claimed to have sought authorization. "We filed two requests for permission but never received a response," said circus director Joey Cornero. "These requests were submitted in January. I believe there was ample time for a reply."
Municipality Initiates Legal Proceedings
Unmoved by the circus’s defense, the municipality filed a complaint and sought an injunction for expulsion from the prefecture. Police have also issued daily fines of 35 euros per vehicle.
"The mayor is against circuses with animals, but we only have domesticated ones," Cornero asserted. "I connected to a water source to provide for my animals, but it was promptly cut off. The mayor is hostile towards us and refuses to listen. Until a solution is found, we will not leave."
Circus Threatens to Block Market
As a sign of protest, Cornero threatened to block the Pessac market, which takes place on the same square every Sunday, with the support of other circus performers. "On Sunday morning, we will demonstrate with flyers and vehicles equipped with sound systems. We will make noise but without obstructing traffic or vendors. This is an ultimatum. If the mayor remains adamant, we will block the market on the following Sunday, March 2nd. He is infringing upon our right to work," proclaimed Roger Mordon, president of the Federation of Traditional Circuses and Animal Owners in Performances.
Raynal remained resolute. "They are simply attempting to protest because they cannot accept that this site is no longer available to them," he said. "We will not deviate from our course."
Underlying Concerns
Beneath the legal dispute, deeper concerns linger. Pessac’s decision to prioritize environmental protection over circus performances reflects a growing trend in urban planning. Municipalities are increasingly prioritizing green spaces and sustainable practices, leaving less room for traditional activities such as circuses.
Additionally, the use of animals in circuses has sparked public debate and calls for stricter regulations. Animal rights activists argue that confining animals to small spaces and forcing them to perform unnatural acts is cruel and exploitative.
As the standoff continues, both sides await the outcome of the legal proceedings. The fate of "Le Nouveau Cirque Est Roi" and the future of circus performances in Pessac hang in the balance.
