Mr. Mayor, you have a strong announcement to make to us…
” Yes. I will hand over my mayoral chair to my first deputy, Nathalie Koenders. It will happen on Monday, at the next municipal council. It is the council which will vote, designate and transfer the power of mayor to Nathalie Koenders. I will present his candidacy to the elected officials. »
For what ?
“The idea of transmission has been in my head for a long time. In 2020, I said that I would not serve a fourth term. I did it because we were in the middle of Covid and it was necessary to ensure the continuity of municipal action. I am very proud today to say that my first deputy, who has been with me since 2008, will become the mayor, the first female mayor of Dijon. I am sure that Nathalie Koenders will be the right woman. She will continue what we did, what I did, but she will bring a personal touch as mayor tomorrow. It makes me proud to pass it on to him. And it is something desired. »
Do you have any health problems?
” No. I'm in great shape. Besides, I will remain president of the Metropolis and simple municipal councilor in Dijon. I even won tennis on Saturday, it's been quite a while… Maybe the prospect of feeling a little lighter. I am tired of my weeks with busy days, at least twelve hours. I don't know if they will be less in the Metropolis, but they will be different. It feels good. »
Why do you want to remain president of the Metropolis?
“Because there are 23 municipalities, including Dijon, which need to be taken care of. I think I will be able to handle it more and better than I have done so far, even though I have performed the role of president well. The role of mayor takes a lot of time. I did it without any regret, but we need greater availability, at a time when urban and rural areas are not in total phase, at a time when we clearly see, with the debate on Mercosur, that the rural world is in difficulty. The vitality, dynamism and development of the urban world must reinforce this authenticity. I'm going to work on it. »
In what way?
“I have some major mobility projects for the Metropolis, which are bothering me. What has profoundly changed the perception of Dijon and its urban planning is the tramway… I have launched studies and I am following them closely. »
Why now?
“I am certain that this is the moment. The moment for me, the moment for her. Today, for me, there is a need to put in place someone who is already known to the people of Dijon, but who will bring the necessary renewal to the position. I didn't tell anyone, but the OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine, Editor's note), it was the last major operation that I had set for myself. I believe that I have achieved what I had promised myself, to make Dijon a recognized international diplomatic city. Now good luck to Nathalie…”
Who will be next 1is deputy or the next 1re assistant?
“That will be Nathalie Koenders’ job tomorrow. It will also be done next Monday. We will also have to replace Nathalie Koenders in the metropolis, who replaced Pierre Pribetich as 1re vice-president. »
No longer being mayor, what will that change for you?
“It will still profoundly change my relationship with the world around me. I will no longer be the mayor, but my relationship with the people of Dijon will not change, they are part of my heart. Maybe I could go to the gym a little more…”
What do you say to those who might consider that this is a misuse of democracy, that it will give Nathalie Koenders a head start in the next municipal elections?
“I hope it gives him an advantage. She is very well known, she is appreciated. I pass it on to her with full confidence because she is a trusted representative. Yes, it can blackmail the opposition of course. This is democratic life, I transmit, without being constrained. Transmission as I imagine it is still a democratic act for me. It is very important to pass on to a new generation that I have prepared. These men and women in their forties, who have learned a lot from me, will be able to exercise their power, without my tutelage, and bring their touch, a new sensitivity, to the directions we have taken. »
But isn't the fact that you remain president of the Metropolis a form of guardianship?
“No, it provides a guarantee, to the City of Dijon as well as to other municipalities. But Dijon will be in good hands. »
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