Political gathering moved after pressure from local groups over controversial speakers
A political event organized by Julien Aubert's "Oser la France" movement was relocated after a private venue in Avignon withdrew its booking amid pressure from hostile associations.
Julien Aubert, former deputy and vice-president of LR, planned a series of "Oser la France" university meetings in Avignon, featuring speakers such as Sarah Knafo and François Fillon. The private theatre Rouge-Gorge refused to host the event, warning of possible public order issues after pressure from about twenty associations, collectives and unions that opposed the appearance of the Reconquête! eurodeputy and the former prime minister.
The Vaucluse prefecture disputed any genuine risk or police incapacity. Aubert condemned the tactics as harassment, labeling the venue a victim, and said he had secured an alternative secret location, rebranding the gatherings as "universities of resistance" with a mixed lineup of right- and left-wing figures and civil-society personalities.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between political groups and civil society over venue access and freedom of assembly in France.
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