Neighbourhood residents from Praga north interrupted the session of the local council today, demanding to get rid of the Board. The Board (mayor and vice-mayor) were notoriously appointed by the President of the City, instead of elected and receive fat bonuses for implementing the plan. Tenants are especially furious at the vice mayor, who came from the housing department and whose policies and actions in gentrifying the neighbourhood are infamous.
People brought a wheelbarrow into the council to transport her away. (Of course she probably prefers her car that the taxpayers foot the bill for.) The atmosphere was quite tense, with speeches made over the megaphone, drowning out the chairwoman. Surprisingly, there was support from the floor and a motion was made to put a recall on the agenda. The chairwoman broke the meeting and most politicians ran out to consult with each other and their parties about what to do. Although the majority of those voting supported this motion (and in fact, support a recall), there were a lot of abstentions and an absolute majority was needed, not a voting majority. Not that we expected her to be recalled this way. Not deterred, we continued to make noise, until a group of police came to get rid of us. People were angry and promised to come back with a bigger crowd and tougher action soon.
Below are more photos.
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