In Saint-Jean-de-Védas, the municipal majority is shattered but the mayor François Rio does not resign

Le maire François Rio (au centre) se retrouve désormais sans majorité municipale. – YJ

This Tuesday, September 10, the first elected official had to close the municipal council meeting… before it began.

On Tuesday, September 10, the start of the Saint-Jean-de-Védas municipal council meeting saw the majority implode into two opposition groups, the definitive departure (Jean-Paul Piot, deputy for finance) and 3 elected officials leave the group, making a total of 14 elected officials. It was also an opportunity to learn of the departure in July of DGS Frédéric Laleu.

For Valérie Pena, assistant for school affairs: “I resigned on March 13th but remain on the council in opposition […]. Throughout my four years in office, of which I am proud, I have been put in difficulty by certain decisions without consultation, due to a lack of empathy and consideration."

First Deputy Véronique Fabry also slams the door: "We are creating an independent opposition group, ‘Together for the Future’, with seven other elected officials: Mmes Bruel, Maurin, Bianco-Chaine, Passerat de la Chapelle and Messrs. Plautin, Quintin and Blanchard." The reasons for the split ? "The lack of consultation, of respect for decisions taken, the way the majority and the mayor operate."

For Ludovic Trepreau, at the Youth: “With Patrick Hivin and Jean-Luc Walczak, we created the opposition group “Unis pour les Védasiens”, in the face of decisions taken without consultation, deplorable behavior and a way of governing that is contrary to democratic foundations.”

For their part, Géraldine de la Fregeyre and Camille Roland also declared that they were leaving the majority group.

A call for resignation

In the opposition, Henri Fontvieille castigated these positions, “in view of the challenges facing the municipality”. Luc Robin called for dialogue. And Emmanuelle Mysona, supported by Marie-Laure Oms, welcomed “the positions of the elected representatives of the former majority. The mayor bears full responsibility for the situation. He must draw the consequences.”

Vincent Boisseau concluded by asking the mayor if he was going to resign.

“I'm not surprised, François Rio declared in response. A first term is always difficult. But the city needs stability, the elected official emphasizes. It is inconceivable to harm the municipality and the general interest."

Reaffirming his concern for transparency, dialogue and consultation, the mayor concluded: "We must organize ourselves to act with determination and courage in order to build a prosperous future."

Vincent Boisseau reiterated his question about a resignation. “I answered”, François Rio retorted.

As many elected officials then left the room, the mayor closed the session… before it really began.

Outside the council, François Rio confided: “I'm not worried. They are. But in any case, I won't resign."

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