French Flag Replaced by Insulting Banner on Belle-Île-en-Mer Ahead of July 14th

In a provocative act just before France's national holiday, a French flag was torn down from the Vauban Gate at Belle-Île-en-Mer and replaced with a banner bearing an insulting message. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 13th, according to local reports.

The banner, which has been condemned by the local municipality, displayed the words: "Vive la France raciste et coloniale. Nique 2 Gaul" (Long live racist and colonial France. F*** the Gauls). The municipality stated that the act, committed anonymously, imposes a message on all inhabitants and visitors that represents only its authors.

Local officials expressed deep sadness, emphasizing their attachment to France, its history, and the values of the Republic. They asserted that the removal of the national flag does not constitute a debate and that criticisms of French history should be expressed within a democratic framework, requiring individuals to identify themselves and respect public property. The municipality has filed a complaint and invited those responsible to come forward to publicly defend their convictions, calling for a debate characterized by seriousness, respect, and responsibility.