French people are angry because the Saudi Arabian king monopolizes the beach
More than 100,000 French people have signed a petition to protest the closure of a beach to serve the private holiday of the Saudi Arabian king.
According to the BBC, the content of the complaint emphasizes that the public beach La Mirandole in the French Riviera city must be open to everyone.
"We should remember that this is a natural area, a common property and should be open to everyone, whether they are locals, tourists, French, foreigners or just passing through. We demand that the state guarantee the basic equality of all citizens before the law," the complaint said.
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| An elevator system connecting the king's villa and La Mirandole beach is under construction. Photo: AP |
Earlier, on July 25, authorities ordered the beach closed to prevent groups from protesting there when King Salman arrived. According to the plan, the king will rest at his private villa for three weeks.
He and his entourage of about 1,000 people landed at Nice airport on two Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747s the same day. The king and his close associates will stay at the villa, while about 700 others will spend the night in hotels in Cannes.
Michel Chevillon, director of a hotel in Cannes, said the king's visit was good news for hotels and the local economy.
"They are big spenders," he said.
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| The beach closure announcement was accompanied by increased security in the surrounding area. Photo: Reuters |
However, the partial closure of La Mirandole beach near the villa has angered locals. An elevator system is currently under construction connecting the king's villa to the beach. The Saudi side has promised to demolish this project after leaving.
The mayor of Vallauris has sent a telegram to President Francois Hollande to protest against the illegal activities taking place at the beach.
"We understand the security reasons as well as the greater good of the government but no one can put themselves outside the framework of the law," wrote Michelle Salucki.
A ban on entering the sea 300 meters from the king's villa was also issued.
"We are so fed up and tired of this harassment. I know they need to keep them safe, but they should also let us go swimming," a local woman complained.
According to VNE
