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Sympathizers Of 'Squirrels' Against The A69 Highway Gather
Marie Tondelier, an MP, is speaking in front of sympathizers of the 'squirrels' in Toulouse, France, on January 17, 2024. As the controversial construction of the A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres continues, four arborist-climbers, nicknamed 'squirrels,' are currently on trial at the courthouse in Toulouse for having blocked the cutting of trees near Verfeuil by occupying them. Supporters have come to show their solidarity with the 'squirrels.' They have constructed a mock concrete wall where they are painting 'A69 won't be built' and have burned a fake Earth. The 'squirrels' are aiming to protect the last trees that the public works group NGE/Atosca has not yet destroyed. NGE/ATOSCA is cutting down trees even though not all legal procedures have been resolved. 'La Voie est Libre' (meaning 'The Way is Free'), opponents, and Thomas Brail are demanding that the construction of the highway be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. Not all expropriations for farmers have been settled. Opponents of the project argue that reprofiling the N126 would be sufficient for the anticipated 6,000 vehicles per day and would cost significantly less. The A69 highway is projected to cost EUR512 million (in 2018 euros, excluding inflation) for 54 kilometers, and its construction will result in the destruction of over 100 protected species and 400 hectares of agricultural land. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
Photo Details
| Photo ID | #10920767 |
|---|---|
| Date Taken | |
| Location | N/A |
| Photographer | Alain Pitton/NurPhoto |
| Category | Social Issue |
| Copyright | © 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto |
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Marie Tondelier
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