Protests Erupt Against A69 Highway Project Near Château de Scopont
Massive protests against the A69 highway project occurred near Château de Scopont despite a government ban.
Key Points
- • Hundreds protested the A69 highway project near Château de Scopont on July 4, 2025.
- • The protest was held on private property, defying a government ban on gatherings.
- • Local groups are challenging the highway due to its impact on historical sites and protected habitats.
- • Frustration exists among residents over the government's handling of environmental and historical preservation concerns.
On July 4, 2025, hundreds of protesters gathered near the château de Scopont in Tarn, defying a government ban to voice their opposition to the controversial A69 highway project, which is set to connect Castres and Toulouse. Despite the risks of legal repercussions, these demonstrators, composed of local residents and members of various environmental groups, convened on private land owned by Bernard d’Ingrando, who acknowledged the protest's significance amidst doubts about their effectiveness.
The highway's proposed route of 53 kilometers has faced escalating opposition due to its proximity to historical sites such as the 15th-century château and a 19th-century pavilion, both classified as historical monuments. Furthermore, the project threatens a protected wetland habitat that shelters the endangered jacinthe de Rome flower, raising alarm among environmental activists. Groups like Renaissance du château de Scopont, La Voie est libre, and Les Amis de la Terre Midi-Pyrénées are actively contesting the highway's development through legal channels.
The protest encompassed various activities, including concerts and public debates, which underscored the community's frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. Many locals feel that their environmental and historical concerns have been disregarded, amplifying the tensions surrounding the A69 project.