“An exceptional success” for Pierre-André Comte, “like the procession which brought together thousands of Jura residents in the town of Delémont”, adds Laurent Coste. “This inspired us with the idea that the Jura residents have a long memory. They are not about to forget this conquest of freedom,” analyzes the first.
They have a smile on their lips, the leaders of the Jura Autonomist Movement (MAJ), as they evoke their memories of the festivities which marked the fiftieth anniversary of the act which gave birth to the canton of Jura, the liberating plebiscite of June 23, 1974.
Expectations exceeded
Isn't there still a critical point, something that we could have done better? “From a logistical point of view, we were at a certain point overwhelmed by our success, I’m talking about food and drink,” responds Laurent Coste. “We expected a good participation but not to this extent. Hence our satisfaction to see with what happiness the Jura residents gathered in Delémont. It must also be said that our program was rich and grandiose, from Friday to Sunday evening “, adds Pierre-André Comte, who is delighted to have been able to benefit from the services of an “absolutely fantastic” festivities organizer, Hakim Zitouna.
Tribute to the deceased poet, to Maurice Wicht
And review the events. The tribute to the poet Alexandre Voisard, in his presence. “Six months after this event and following his departure, this moment takes even more space in our hearts,” says Laurent Coste. The tribute also to Maurice Wicht, the Jura activist who was fatally shot during the weekend of June 23, 1974. On the political level, there was an international conference, which recalled “what the right to “self-determination of peoples, with testimonies from America, Corsica and the Aosta Valley”, notes the secretary general of the MAJ. A conference which will continue in May 2025 in Aosta.
Make Jura history known
Several documentary films marked this commemoration, contributing “to causing popular enthusiasm to manifest,” believes Pierre-André Comte. We also welcome the quality of the speeches during the ceremony at the Théâtre du Jura, notably that of Federal Councilor Élisabeth Baume-Schneider, the involvement of the canton of Jura in these festivities, and the efforts made in the schools to make Jura history known…
The MAJ at a turning point
Pierre-André Comte has masterfully highlighted the role of the Jura Autonomist Movement in all this, with its leaders including Roland Béguelin and Roger Schaffter and many others that space does not allow us to mention.
Yes, listening to Laurent Coste and Pierre-André Comte, we have the impression that this fiftieth anniversary marked a turning point. For the Autonomist Movement, the year 2025 will be that of adaptation to the new situation. The MAJ will review its statutes: the assembly of delegates is scheduled for June 14 in Moutier. The organ of the MAJ, The Free Juraalso adapts and will only appear 13 times a year.
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