World
RN spokesperson backed the student protests while calling for rioters to pay for damage
Andréa Kotarac told France Info he understands students’ anger but condemned the violence seen on the sidelines of the demonstrations. He also dismissed Mediapart’s allegations concerning Jordan Bardella.
Andréa Kotarac, spokesperson for the National Rally and head of the RN group in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, said on France Info that he supports the idea that those responsible for damage during protests should bear the cost.
He said he would not accept public property such as high schools being set on fire and argued that people who break or burn things undermine the student movement. He added that the public should not end up paying for that damage through taxes or higher insurance costs.
He also condemned the violence reported on the margins of the high school demonstrations. Among the incidents he highlighted were fire trucks being burned and a police officer being beaten on the ground. He further said attacks on police officers, teachers and school principals were unacceptable and described the situation as a security problem.
At the same time, Kotarac said he understands the anger of high school students, university students and young workers. Asked whether he supports the student movement, he answered yes and linked that frustration to guidance and orientation problems affecting students.
He also pointed to RN proposals aimed at young people that were included in Marine Le Pen’s party’s alternative budget. According to France Info, he cited free driving licenses for young people without criminal records, student housing measures and a plan to turn vacant office space into student accommodation.
On allegations reported by Mediapart involving Jordan Bardella, Kotarac called them absurd and said they were intended to hinder the RN’s path to power. He also said he believed the issue had little relevance for public opinion.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
