A crucial coordination meeting took place on Tuesday at the prefecture, aiming to prevent any public disturbances similar to those seen in the city center during the Champions League final.
Proactive measures are being taken to ensure public safety. In Agen, this translates into a significant reinforcement of law enforcement personnel this Thursday, July 9, as France prepares to face Morocco in a thrilling quarter-final match. Even though the kick-off is scheduled for 10 PM, authorities convened on Tuesday under the leadership of the Prefect of Lot-et-Garonne to devise a comprehensive plan for preventing and, if necessary, intervening in any potential disturbances.
Proactive measures are being taken to ensure public safety. In Agen, this translates into a significant reinforcement of law enforcement personnel this Thursday, July 9, as France prepares to face Morocco in a thrilling World Cup football quarter-final match. Even though the kick-off is scheduled for 10 PM, authorities convened on Tuesday under the leadership of the Prefect of Lot-et-Garonne to devise a comprehensive plan for preventing and, if necessary, intervening in any potential disturbances.
The national police force has deployed approximately twenty officers to maintain order across the city center and in the Le Pin area. Our department confirmed, “We will ensure no one puts themselves or others at risk, and we have a direct line to the fire services for immediate response.” This security arrangement remains flexible and could be adjusted for any subsequent semi-final or final matches.
“Securing the city center”
Memories are still fresh from the May 30 incidents, when around a hundred individuals caused disruptions following the PSG-Arsenal match, which saw the French club crowned European champions. Those events led to property damage, stone-throwing, and injuries to two police officers.
Dominique Stoll, Agen’s Deputy Mayor for Security and Public Tranquility, illustrated the preventative steps: “We have requested technical services to remove any urban furniture, such as barriers used for summer festivities, that could potentially be used as projectiles.”
In addition to an enhanced municipal police presence, with eight officers operating in four vehicles, and vigilant monitoring from the urban supervision center, controls will be implemented along key routes, including Le Pin, Le Gravier, and Boulevard de la République. “Should large crowds gather, we have the capability to secure the city center by raising bollards, guaranteeing the safety of all residents. This event must remain a celebration, regardless of the outcome,” the official emphasized.
