Pont-Saint-Esprit: the municipal council of installation of the mayor begins with the question of belonging to Horizons by Gérome Bouvier

At the start of the session this Saturday, April 4, in the village hall of the Pépin cazerne. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

A large audience for this first municipal council of the Bouvier era. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Outgoing mayor Claire Lapeyronie will now sit in opposition with her former first deputy Daniel Mouchetant. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

La liste RN menée par Emmanuel Le Pargneux obtient six sièges au conseil municipal. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

After the victory in the first round, Sunday April 28, of the list Tomorrow Pont-Saint-Esprit, during the municipal by-election, a municipal council was convened this Saturday 4 May at 10:30 a.m., in the village hall. Before the vote began, the RN opposition wanted to discuss "the lack of transparency" of the new mayor, or his membership in the Horizons party. 

A large audience, more than 200 people, is present to attend this municipal council installation of the new mayor Gérome Bouvier. The municipal council is chaired by Dean Gérard Guillen. The latter recalled the results of the vote on Sunday, April 28. Gérome Bouvier's list will include 25 elected officials within the municipal council and eight community delegates to the Agglo du Gard rhodanien, that of the Renewal Spiripontain, led by Emmanuel Le Pargneux, obtains six seats on the municipal council and two seats on the community council. Finally, the list led by Claire Lapeyronie, Pont d’first, obtains two seats in the municipal council and will not sit in the Agglo.

Emmanuel Le Pargneux: "Many Spiripontains felt betrayed", to which responds Gérome Bouvier: "We were totally transparent"

Two candidates declared themselves for the election of the mayor, Gérome Bouvier, and Emmanuel Le Pargneux who explained the reasons : "Six days ago, I came spontaneously to salute the victory of your camp. An hour later, some Spiripontans realized that no one knew you, that you held responsibilities within the Horizons party even though you said you had no political involvement. A former Prime Minister greeted your victory with a tweet. Many Spiripontans feel betrayed. We cannot trust a man without conviction and principle. This is why we will vote against your election and why I am running." To which, Gérome Bouvier replied: "We have been completely transparent. I'm not going to get into the controversy. We are here to work for the Spiripontains."

Claire Lapeyronie: "We respect democracy. You will discover the difference between words and actions" 

For her part, Claire Lapeyronie declared: "We respect democracy and the choice of Spiripontains. We are not going to oppose your election. We will abstain because we will not sign a blank check. You have created hope, you will discover the difference between words and actions. Our group will work in constructive opposition. We are perfectly aware of the state of the city's finances. We will be very attentive."

Pierre Meurin, RN deputy for the constituency and now municipal, also asked to speak : "You must assume your Macronist affiliation. You lied during the debate organized by Midi Libre, in front of 400 people. All this is factual. Gérome Bouvier: "I would have preferred that we talk about Pont-Saint -Spirit".

The vote took place by secret ballot, the counting has just taken place. Gérome Bouvier is elected mayor.

Read also: Gérome Bouvier, member of the Horizons party or not ? The new mayor of Pont-Saint-Esprit clarifies things about his political affiliation