Updated on 01/01/2025
At the start of this year, I have the pleasure of sending you my most sincere and warm wishes.
Always on the move, on the ground, the State is committed to defending and supporting the development of Ariège, with a concern for permanent dialogue with local authorities, economic players, the associative fabric and citizens.
This results in the progress of major projects such as:
- economic development and job creation, for example €6 million in support for the project of a new innovative geotextile factory in Laroque d'Olmes,
- tourism development and heritage enhancement, with numerous projects around the Montségur castle,
- infrastructure such as work on the RN20 in Tarascon, the highly anticipated start of which is now close
These projects are important, but the State must also be mobilized around aspects of daily life that directly concern you:
- to strengthen local medical provision through the creation of health centers,
- to support the investment projects carried out by your mayors: the State has financed 17 million euros of these projects in almost all of the municipalities.
- to bring public services closer to you: this fall, a 15th House France services has just opened at Mas d'Azil, and a new gendarmerie unit has been established in L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.
Your safety is a primary issue. With the public prosecutor, we initiated several large-scale operations – in Foix, Pamiers, Tarascon – and strengthened the visible presence of our law enforcement on the ground. They have made it possible to obtain tangible results in the fight against delinquency, trafficking and incivility which plague the daily lives of citizens. These operations will continue.
Agriculture is also an essential pillar of our territory and our sovereignty. In times of crisis that the agricultural sector has experienced in recent months, the State has tirelessly supported our farmers, facilitating access to emergency aid and simplifying administrative procedures.
This proximity to the State is essential for the action desired by the Government to be useful and effective. I hope that 2025 will be a year of unity and solidarity, where together we will be able to meet the new challenges that await us.
Happy New Year 2025!
Simon Bertoux
Prefect of Ariège
The greetings card from the prefect of Ariège
The greeting card highlights the bearded vulture for the new year with an image by Ariège animal photographer Thierry Nicaise
The Bearded Vulture, one of the largest birds of prey in Europe with its almost 3 meter wingspan, is an emblematic and protected species of the Pyrenees. Very sensitive to disturbance, it is an essential link in the ecosystem of our mountains. As part of a national action plan, the State and its partners ensure its conservation by protecting its habitat and limiting its disturbance. and by raising public awareness of the issues surrounding its preservation. Monitoring of its population is also carried out. Thus, 12 nesting pairs were recorded in Ariège in 2024 and 4 young bearded vultures successfully took flight.
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