Emmanuel Macron continues the work of memory.
In a context of very strong tensions between Paris and Algiers, the President of the Republic says he is doing it above all "for France".
This Saturday afternoon, Emmanuel Macron participated in a ceremony in Colombes in tribute to the victims of the bloody repression of a demonstration by Algerians on October 17, 1961. It is the first time in history that a president in office presides over such a commemoration in connection with these events, indicates the Elysee.
Emmanuel Macron did not give a speech at the foot of the Bezons bridge.
Where exactly sixty years ago, residents of the Nanterre slum passed, on their way to the capital.
On site, he took the time to discuss with elected officials, but also with families of victims.
Then the Elysee sent a press release in the wake, in order to recognize an "indisputable truth".
"Inexcusable" crimes
“In the evening (
of October 17
), despite the ban on the demonstration, more than 25,000 men, women and children went to different assembly points, we can read. The repression was brutal, violent, bloody. Nearly 12,000 Algerians were arrested and transferred to sorting centers at the Coubertin Stadium, the Sports Palace and other places. In addition to many wounded, several dozen were killed, their bodies thrown into the Seine. Many families never found the remains of their loved ones, who disappeared that night. "
While historians called on the head of state to recognize a “state crime”, Emmanuel Macron did not go so far. "He admitted the facts," the statement continued. The crimes committed that night under the authority of Maurice Papon are inexcusable for the Republic. "
On October 17, 1961, as the Algerian war drew to a close, several thousand Algerians, between 20,000 and 40,000 according to estimates, marched through the capital at the call of the FLN. The tension very quickly mounted with the police forces, then led by the prefect Maurice Papon. Rumors then reported of several deaths in the police ranks. The demonstrators are severely repressed. Many of them are killed, beaten up. Demonstrators are thrown into the Seine. The real toll is masked by the authorities, who ensure that the clashes cost the lives of three people. These deaths are attributed solely to clashes between demonstrators.
The real balance sheet is still not known precisely.
The national archives of the Ministry of the Interior have never been made public.
But historians estimate at least 120 the number of victims.
Some even speak of 200 dead.
Emmanuel Macron was content to speak this Saturday of "dozens" of victims.
In 2012, President François Hollande took another step in the memory of the victims.
He then recognized a bloody repression.
“The Republic lucidly recognizes these facts.
Fifty-one years after this tragedy, I pay tribute to the memory of the victims, ”he added, saying he was open to official recognition of the massacre.