Émile will not rest in Haut-Vernet. His parents finally gave up on having him buried in the small cemetery of this hamlet of Vernet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). They wanted to be allocated a collective vault. Request put on hold during the municipal council meeting of January 18. The elected officials had to make a definitive decision on January 25, during a new municipal council meeting. Émile's parents did not wait for this date. Their child will be buried in La Bouilladisse (Bouches-du-Rhône) where they live.
“I respect the right of parents to give their child the burial of their choicetold us the mayor of Vernet, François Balique. In the municipal council, we gave authorization for him to be buried in Haut-Vernet. They changed their minds. I don't have to comment on it.“
“I would have followed my municipal council”
This decision is nevertheless directly linked to the refusal to grant a collective concession, during this same municipal council, and this should, “logically“deliberate on this subject definitively on January 25.”The parents wanted a collective vault after having requested an individual concession, resituates the mayor. Today, they claim, via their lawyer, that the choice to no longer bury their child in Haut-Vernet would have been guided by the position taken by the municipal council on January 18. This is their assessment. However, it was simply logical to wait for the result of the deliberation of January 25. It was planned that we would come together to make a decision. It has already happened that an opinion has evolved. There, I don't know what would have ultimately been decided. Anyway, personally, I would have followed my municipal advice.”
-“I know there is collective emotion, but…”
François Balique recognizes, however, that “the construction of a collective vault was much more problematic than an individual vault“. And for good reason: “Legally, this is not planned.“But in this scenario, which is extremely particular given the destiny of this child, would it not have been understandable to adjust the rules?”I know there is a collective emotionunderlines the mayor. It was taken into account for Emile's burial. Concerning the parents, it's something else. When we apply the law, it is equal for everyone.”
However, at the Vernet cemetery, vaults have been granted to people who do not live permanently in the town. “But these are people who have strong ties to our municipality“, justifies the mayor. Which, implicitly, means that Émile's parents don't have any.”Maternal grandparents perhaps, but not parents“, specifies François Balique.
