“Proximity and transparency”, “development and influence”: the new president of the Lozère Department delivers his general policy speech

Laurent Suau entouré de ses sept vice-présidents, avant son discours de politique générale. Midi Libre – CELIAN GUIGNARD

Laurent Suau, elected on August 9, 2024 as head of the community, addressed his fellow departmental councilors during the session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The opposition reacted strongly.

He was expected. He spoke at the end of the session of the Lozère departmental council on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Laurent Suau, the new president since August 9, gave his general policy speech. If the assembly initially listened to him religiously, the debates then became more heated.

Laurent Suau first praised his new team. “The future that is taking shape for our departmental council is established around a new majority composed of women and men who uphold the fundamental values ​​linked to work, respect, commitment, but also to cultures, hospitality, listening and kindness. […] Those who accompany me are gifted with strong experiences which, combined, strengthen the capacity for work and action in the service of Lozère. Our priorities are clear: proximity and transparency. Our course too: development and influence. Our method just as much: working to move forward."

Priority to solidarity

The president then directly addressed the opposition, now passionately and independently named Lozère. “To those who predict chaos because they are no longer in power, I see determination. To those who wish to be our worst nightmares, I see serenity restored at all levels. To those who already predict gloomy tomorrows, I see confidence, pragmatism, empathy and, even more, action.”

Then came the concrete points that Laurent Suau wants to tackle. With solidarity as a priority. “On this high-stakes skill, here in Lozère, two aspects are even more significant: the situation of care in nursing homes, of which nearly 90% are now in deficit, with the inflation of recent years – a deficit means a reduction in the care of our elders and this is not acceptable; the flagship of medico-social care or the necessary convergence of establishment tariffs must be sought immediately. For a long time, some structures have been under-resourced and have a daily rate that is too low. Care, very local employment, the economy, and the spirit of solidarity are at stake. The challenge, with these two examples, is a strong political choice but also a financial one for the departmental council." Concerning these issues, he assures that "concrete solutions exist" and that they "will be implemented this fall". He also specifies that "the Regional Health Agency (ARS) mobilizes resources to help".

Environment, roads, colleges…

The president also emphasized the environment and the "necessary but reasoned and so-called sustainable development". For him, "several areas need to be worked on" : the thermal envelope of buildings, water and its access to populations and investment in renewable energies.“We need to adapt the departmental drinking water plan validated in 2007. We need to anticipate what awaits us in fifteen to twenty years. It is in this context that I am already proposing a specific policy to support communities of communes in the implementation of master plans for drinking water supply and sanitation, financed by the departmental council, outside of territorial contracts.”

Of course, there was also talk of the 2,300 km of departmental roads and their maintenance, or even middle schools. For the latter, there is great concern, with a drop in numbers. The new majority wants to rely on boarding schools and give them “a color or a theme”, like horse riding in Saint-Étienne-du-Valdonnez or the Young Firefighters (JSP) in Bleymard, in order to bring in students from outside.

A session without Sophie Pantel

In response, Jean-Louis Brun, councillor of the Canton of Langogne and unsuccessful candidate for the election to the presidency of the Department, has long insisted on the value of fraternity which, according to him, was flouted on 9 August, “by a vote bringing to the podium a project that is not shared by those who voted for [the former majority]”. “Perhaps this is a reflection of what is happening at the national level”?” he asks, before continuing.”“I want to pay tribute to Sophie Pantel (former president and current MP for Lozère, Editor's note), currently criticized by some at all costs. She will just have to be equaled. Her commitment and actions in the service of the Department are not debatable.”

Robert Aigoin, councillor for the canton of Collet-de-Dèze, was particularly virulent towards two of his colleagues, after recalling that he no longer trusted Laurent Suau who “broke his word”. “How is it that François Robin (councillor for the canton of Mende-2), the first federal secretary of the Socialist Party of Lozère, had the candidacy of Jean-Louis Brun adopted and that he was not then offended by the proxy vote entrusted to Françoise Amarger-Brajon (councillor for Mende-2), who voted against his opinion ? You will have to explain your inconsistencies." Something that the attacked pair did not do during this session.

This departmental council was held without Sophie Pantel, who was in committee at the National Assembly. Michèle Manoa, councillor for the canton of Collet-de-Dèze, regretted that the sessions are now held on Tuesdays, preventing de facto the MP from participating.

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