After two years of presence in Aveyron, Charles Giusti will officially take office on November 18 as prefect of Eure. He replaces Simon Babre, who joined the cabinet of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, for “new challenges” not so far from those he encountered in Aveyron, which he will remember as a populated “little paradise”. “extremely welcoming” people. Interview.
You were appointed, by decree of October 31, prefect of Eure. Do you know when you will officially take up your duties there?
It will be Monday November 18, according to the usual rule, the installation takes place on the third Monday after the appointment of the council of ministers.
You are joining a department whose population is double that of Aveyron…
New challenges, new horizons… no doubt other cultures, other difficulties to tackle. It is indeed a more populated, denser department, with quite significant industrial activity… I think that I will find important subjects for Aveyron too: responding to the dissatisfaction of the agricultural world, land use planning issues with the implementation of the law Zero net artificialization, an economic activity to follow… I will gradually take ownership of the files. We are in an intermediate phase, with files, here in Aveyron, which must be followed and if possible closed.
What memories will you keep of the department?
It was my second position as prefect. I didn't know Aveyron at all but I immediately felt good there. It's a little paradise because the people are welcoming, respectful and republican. There is a real ease in setting up projects because we manage to bring everyone around the table, there is a real sense of general interest. I remember the panoramas, the gastronomy… I really liked Aveyron.
Do you have any regrets or satisfaction regarding your action as prefect?
We were able, I think, to establish a climate of trust with communities, economic players, to carry out projects. A partnership form of public action, a real dynamic for better quality of service. I'm not saying that everything was rosy: there were difficulties, social movements… but overall we were able to work in good harmony.
You are leaving the department after two years, with several files still in progress.
Two years is a long time…and it’s short. We have started things but there is still work to be done, particularly on the subject of forest fires. We have set up an organization around the mobilization of specialized services, access routes to the massifs, to the reservoirs, etc. This is a long-term subject.
You note certain similarities between Aveyron and Eure which you are about to join.
Quality of life, social peace… These are the issues in Aveyron, but in another context. Eure was more affected by the urban riots in the summer of 2023. There are also security issues.
Do you think you will return to Aveyron in the future?
Yes, I will remain very attached to Aveyron, that’s for sure. It was a very beautiful life experience. We often say “Aveyron is beautiful but it's far”, I would rather say “it's far, but how beautiful it is”, even if it's not in the usual traffic routes! I think that Aveyron is a little paradise, which I had the opportunity to travel extensively, in which I was able to preserve both the living environment and human relationships.
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