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Sympathizers Of 'Squirrels' Against The A69 Highway Gather

A supporter is wearing a shirt with the message ''Face to the A69, another way is possible'' in Toulouse, France, on January 17, 2024. As construction on the controversial A69 highway between Toulouse and Castres continues, four arborist-climbers, known as ''squirrels,'' are currently on trial at the Toulouse courthouse for obstructing the felling of trees near Verfeuil by occupying them. Supporters have gathered to back the ''squirrels.'' They have constructed a mock concrete wall where they are painting ''A69 won't be built'' and have burned a fake representation of the Earth. The ''squirrels'' are aiming to protect the remaining 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 completed. The opposition group ''La Voie est Libre,'' along with Thomas Brail, is calling for the construction of the highway to be halted until all judicial decisions have been made. The expropriation processes for farmers have not been finalized. Critics 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	#10920753
Date Taken	17 January 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Alain Pitton/NurPhoto
Category	Social Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Alain Pitton/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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