He goes quickly, Gilles Quénéhervé. Both in action and in words. More than anyone, he undoubtedly knows that the territorial function of prefect only lasts a limited time. So short, that it imposes a sustained pace, if we want to represent the State effectively, ensure sovereign functions, advance projects and be an effective facilitator in the service of Lozère. Fast, precise, cordial and clear delivery, undoubtedly, it has anchored in him this ferment of high level sportsman, which allows him to efficiently timed departures. Barely had he packed his bags in his prefecture and taken over from Philippe Castanet when he took office on Monday, November 25, at the Foirail parade ground in Mende. The immediate opportunity for a first contact with the civil and military authorities, representatives of state services, justice, elected officials… and even journalists for whom, in the process, he had organized a press conference .
A special time to ask him if there is a “Quénéhervé method”… “I practiced an individual sport, but also a lot of relays”he replied, before adding: “This is the collective that I want to develop”. By taking his first post as prefect, he underlines “the importance of this function on the territory to ensure the missions of the State”. Certainly “a great personal adventure, but above all united and collective”. If he is scrupulously committed to ensuring sovereign functions, he believes that his mission is to be “a facilitator” for this Lozère “which is not always in the spotlight, but which is a dynamic territory teeming with projects”. And when it comes to building projects, he thinks “to be able to bring” on “stone in the building”with an advantage: of Breton origin, previously stationed in Le Havre, he has only been discovering this Lozère for a few days: “I arrive without any opinion. This allows subjects to be approached without preconceptions”he explains.
The collective is at the heart of its method: “The high level in sport is impossible to achieve without a team”he insists. The concept is irremediably engraved in him, who thinks with conviction: “We need to discuss, dialogue to find solutions and unblock the problems”. It is his will, he who embarks on his new mission “freed from any personal consideration”. And added with a smile: “My ego was satisfied, I worked to achieve results.”
While it is obviously too early to ask him to detail his roadmap, on the other hand, Gilles Quénéhervé has already established priorities that he wants immediately ” develop “: supporting the agricultural world, from wolves to Mercosur through health risks, its mission is to “building local solutions to national issues”. This also happens through “work in consultation with elected officials”.
Coming from Le Havre, where he supported large industrial projects on the path to decarbonization, he wishes here too “continue this work. Be a facilitator for businesses ». Obviously, security will be at the heart of its investment “so that this preserved department can remain so” . In this he does “full confidence in the gendarmerie and the police”.In terms of natural risks, “here too this implies close collaboration, working hand in hand with municipal and departmental elected officials”…And the new prefect concludes with a pact of trust and proximity: “Be assured of my presence on the territory. I move around a lot. There are no small communities. I'm going to travel the roads to meet the actors. Count on me. I am aware of my mission for the entire territory… It’s a pleasure to be in Lozère”. The race for prefectural efficiency has begun in stride. A team race where the relay is undoubtedly placed at the heart of the collective.
