Updated on 20/11/2024
With its 12,193 subscribers, the Letter seemed to me to be a relevant medium to be able to say my “goodbye” to the Gers which welcomed me so well on August 21, 2023.
“Goodbyes” filled with a certain emotion as the Gersoises know how to make people love their beautiful department; and if I was not able, during the fifteen months that my mission as prefect lasted, to discover the 6,257 km² that it covers, there is no doubt that I will be able to return there as I enjoyed my stay there.
Land of culture, land of festivals, land of gastronomy, little French Tuscany will not have left me indifferent to its charm for long.
Agricultural land, I was keen to tackle the problems that farmers encounter as quickly as possible. Carrier of their demands to the highest national authorities, my action was guided by dialogue. In conjunction with the State services which have produced remarkable work in terms of subsidies, aid and compensation, I have worked to ensure that blocked files can be resolved and to speed up the procedures, as far as possible. Under the CAP
Common agricultural policy140 million euros were paid, i.e. 5 million more than planned and an additional 40 million euros were released as compensation for professionals in viticulture, the organic sector, breeders impacted by the disease epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EMH) or avian influenza. The situation is complex, impacted by global issues, but I can assure this sector of my full support. I hope I have demonstrated this.
Defining the Gers as an agricultural territory would, however, be reductive, even if this sector of activity is very important there. The department has no shortage of assets, particularly due to its strategic positioning close to the Toulouse metropolitan area. The Gers is undeniably attractive and the actions taken in recent months aim to strengthen this attractiveness. Auch airport and the Gers aeronautical sector have, I am convinced, all the assets to be a welcoming land for these industrial sectors.
During these fifteen months spent in the department, other files will have required a significant investment. I am thinking of the future Auch hospital center, renovated, restructured, enlarged or even the Grand Garros project which is nearing completion. I am also thinking of the problem of mobility, with an RN124 which is continuing its operation to upgrade to 2×2 lanes and rail transport with the LGV line which should boost the north of the department. I have also not forgotten the work carried out around the Auch slaughterhouse, even though the sector is in difficulty at the national level. Finally, I leave with a feeling of satisfaction regarding the progress of the Astarac PNR (Regional Natural Park) project.
As I am called to new roles, I sincerely thank you. As the end-of-year holidays draw near, I wish each of you happy moments, drawing your attention to the prudent behavior to adopt on the road to keep the celebrations beautiful.
Adishatz.
