A city in Switzerland, bordering France, has effectively banned French residents from using its municipal swimming pool due to 'absurd' and 'inappropriate behavior.' While there is a growing public sentiment in France that 'our neighbor is discriminating against us,' Switzerland states that it is 'merely blocking inappropriate individuals.'
According to the French daily Le Parisien on the 4th (local time), the Swiss border town of Porrentruy decided to allow only Swiss citizens and holders of residential permits, as well as those with valid Swiss work permits, to use the municipal swimming pool until the end of August. Most of those affected by this restriction are French residents.
The city stated that since the pool opened, it has 'dismissed and banned over 20 individuals for inappropriate and absurd behavior, and violations of regulations,' explaining the reasons for the measures.
This pool, which can accommodate 1,000 people, has reportedly faced numerous complaints recently. A city official noted, 'There are individuals who do not follow the directives, harass women, engage in physical confrontations with staff, or swim while wearing only underwear.'
On social media, reactions poured in regarding the Swiss city allegedly discriminating against its French neighbors. Christian Zimmermann, a local councilor from the National Union in the border area of Grandest, sent a letter to the mayor of Porrentruy, requesting to 'repeal the discriminatory and excessive measures against French resident neighbors.'
However, Philippe Eggerzwiller, the mayor of Porrentruy, emphasized in an interview with a regional broadcaster in France that it is not 'discrimination' aimed at the French, asserting that it does not target any specific nationality.