Bug#1026104: longstanding problem with dependencies of python3-numpy in testing

[Joachim Wuttke <joachim@joachimwuttke.de>]

Package: tech-ctte

Estimated volunteers of the Debian Technical Committee:

At times, python3-numpy in testing depends on two python3
minor versions in parallel. This is unusual, annoying for
many users, and breaking dependent software for some.
Complaints have been filed at

https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=800620
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=878281
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=903663
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=945824
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=1003805
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=1025169

Explanations have been given in particular in
https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=945824
According to these, the simultaneous dependency on old and
new Python subversions is a deliberate choice as part of
a multi-step migration strategy.

My request to you, estimated committee members, would be
to review this migration strategy. The best possible
outcome would be an advise to the package maintainer
how to continue his otherwise excellent work without
publishing intermediate versions of python3-numpy that
cause difficulties downstream.

With best regards, Joachim Wuttke