Mayor deploys 'all possible weapons' to evict travelers from football fields in 48 hours

Bruges Mayor Frédéric Giro took decisive action to remove a camp of 130 caravans from the town's football fields, achieving their eviction in under 48 hours. The mayor described facing initial resistance from a group of men upon his arrival, with his bicycle being thrown into bushes while national police stood by.

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I drew all possible weapons.

Undeterred, Giro immediately initiated eviction procedures, contacted the regional prefect, filed a complaint against the community leader, and identified all vehicles for daily illegal parking fines. "I drew all possible weapons," he stated, emphasizing his refusal to let the group stay for the two weeks they had announced.

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It was out of the question for them to stay for two weeks as they had announced to me.

The mayor was particularly angered because the fields had been renovated just last year at a cost of 30,000 euros. He also voiced frustration with what he sees as the state's insufficient response to recurring summer encampments, leaving local officials to manage the problem and bear the costs.

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When they tell me that the rule of law must be respected (and the procedure that generally leads these communities to be expelled after three weeks, editor's note) it drives me mad.