Overview
- The new mayor, Dany Paiva, confirmed Wednesday that he scrapped the May 1 city hall event where unions gave speeches and said the wreath tribute to miners will still take place.
- Paiva argued the gathering was used by unions to do politics and said they were not there to hold open‑air meetings.
- Local opposition figures objected, with socialist councillor Naoufal Yahyaoui calling it a sharp break from town tradition and LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard denouncing the move on X.
- Union leaders from the CFDT said the decision shows little regard for workers and for the region’s history, and the mayor said the usual worker medal presentations will be held later in the year.
- Residents in this former mining town, including some who vote for the RN, voiced anger, noting the ceremony honors the 42 miners killed in the 1974 disaster and helps keep that memory alive.