We are not yet at the diplomatic incident, but it still heats up between French and Swiss. The recent validation by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe of the highway project between Machilly and Thonon-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie), aimed at opening up the Chablais region, set fire to the powder. The nearby city of Geneva has announced its intention to file an appeal against this 16-kilometer motorway section, the first studies of which date back almost 30 years.
For the Swiss, this project is "nonsense", "a heresy", when just launched the Léman Express, a real cross-border TER intended to decongest the Geneva conurbation. "This highway section is really not essential and will directly compete with the Léman Express," said Philippe d'Espine, spokesman for the city of Geneva.
" Declaration of war "
On the French side, elected environmentalists and associations that fight against pollution also denounce this project. For Anne Lassman, president of the Inspire association, "this highway will attract at least 500 more vehicles per day during peak hours and thus increase pollution problems".
But the president of the departmental council, Christian Monteil (various right), who fights for years for the realization of this highway, affirms loud and clear that France will not be allowed to dictate its policy of transport by the Genevese.
The Chablais opening up association even speaks of a “declaration of war”. And threatens: "If an appeal is filed, we will launch punch actions to block Geneva. And we will call all elected officials of Chablais, all Chablaisiens and Chablaisiennes, to join us on Swiss territory. "
