A TUI cruise ship, the "Mein Schiff 2," docked in Ajaccio this Saturday morning an hour late. It was stopped in the gulf of nationalist militants.
Five activists from Core in Fronte (an independence party represented in Corsican assembly) climbed into a small vessel and stopped the giant from docking at Ajaccio port. A dozen supporters were also present on the quay. . Veronique Pietri was elected to the assembly in Corsica during this operation.
A symbolic act
"We wanted this action to be taken with this company, as it was previously condemned for excessive discharges at Marseille's port. We don't oppose cruises as a principle. However, we ask for regulations and an in-depth analysis of the health and environmental impacts. It is well-known that one day of boat docking with engine running can pollute as many as 800,000 to 1,000,000 cars. Core in Fronte spokesperson Luc Bernardini stated to AFP that they will always choose health over economy.
"On June 17, through our social networks, I requested a meeting on this subject and we received no response. It is for these reasons that we acted," explained the spokesperson, referring to "a symbolic act". They spoke out about "respecting the people" who don't "have to experience permanent intoxication".
According to Luc Bernardini, Monday will see the arrival of four new cruise ships in the imperial capital. The association for the defense and promotion of the environment, "A Sentinella", calls for a demonstration in front of Ajaccio's town hall. Core in Fronte activists are expected to be there. Contacted by AFP but unable to reach the Corsica-du-Sud Chamber of Commerce and Industry port manager
Recent months have seen a rise in protests against polluting cruise ships. After receiving complaints from residents about its fumes, a ship was ordered to leave Nice on June 17th.
Twenty activists, some in canoes, had stopped the entry to Marseille of the "Wonder of the seas", the largest cruise liner in the world. They did so for about two hours. The cruise industry is responsible for generating these emissions.
