2024-10-25 17:17:00
Pierre Hurmic follows in the footsteps of Jacques Chaban-Delmas. To keep on hand the elders of his camp removed from power by the vagaries of political life, the ex-mayor of Bordeaux had created a “council of former elected officials”. Deemed unnecessary, the instance was deleted by Alain Juppé. This Friday, October 25, she was back. The mayor brought together around forty former elected officials in the municipal council room, mainly those from the Juppé period (1995-2019). And almost all of them on the right.
The initiative has raised some eyebrows on the part of the current opposition. Several refused to come, two bluntly informed the mayor. He defends himself from any political recovery, two years before the 2026 municipal elections: “I am not looking for any validation from the old majority. The exchanges were sometimes heated, I am not looking for anyone’s support, except those of the voters. I am told that this meeting is coming late or too early… For the remaining two years, everyone will say that it is not the right time. What interests me is to know how these elected officials who have served the city a lot see it evolving, how they perceive the changes. »
In the salons of the Palais Rohan, Pierre Hurmic in deep conversation with Stéphan Delaux, who was one of Alain Juppé’s most loyal deputies.
D.L.
“The least bad of mayors”
In any case, the former elected officials seemed delighted with the invitation, starting with former mayor Hugues Martin. “It’s an excellent initiative, we found ourselves in a republican framework with a lot of pleasure. We told the mayor what we think of his management, we mainly talked about security, housing, traffic. The debates were very peaceful, but this is not a free pass for Hurmic. In the next elections, I hope there will be a good leader for the right. For the moment, she doesn’t have it,” he explains. As for the mayor’s action, he judges it without severity: “It could be worse, he is the least bad of the environmentalist mayors. He is above all an environmentalist, there has been no devastation like in Grenoble. »
“If the opposition is disunited, Pierre Hurmic has every chance of being re-elected in the first round”
In the reception rooms of the Palais Rohan, alumni return for a few hours to the house they frequented for years. “It’s moving to come back here, we spent a lot of time there, important moments of our lives,” breathes Jean-Charles Palau, Juppé’s former finance assistant (1995-2014). He believes that Hurmic is “making a mark on land use planning with its greening strategy”, but would like the principle of sobriety to apply to finances. Palau asked the mayor to relax town planning procedures: “Promoters say it’s a headache to build in Bordeaux. »
Former UMP MP, Chantal Bourragué spent thirty-four years of her political life at Bordeaux town hall. She says she is worried about security issues, wondering “how people of a certain age will be able to get around if we can no longer drive by car”. She says she is “very mixed” about the current majority, judges the cost of revegetation to be astronomical.
Emmanuelle Cuny, deputy for education (1995-2014), questioned the mayor on security and the arming of the municipal police. “I didn’t get an answer. » No answer either on the economic difficulties of city center commerce or the movement of cruise ships. “The city is turning in on itself, nothing is being done to attract families,” she laments.
The best solution: “keep Hurmic”
But it is with the current opposition that the exes are the most severe, particularly with regard to regaining the town hall in 2026. “If the opposition is disunited, Pierre Hurmic has every chance of being re-elected from the first turn, believes Jean-Charles Palau. Even united, it’s not a win, because the sociology of the city has changed a lot. Now there are blind spots in Hurmic’s politics, his view of politics is not mine. Being alone is not my thing. A city must open up and develop, so the opposition can propose an alternative project. »
Elected from 2008 to 2014, Jean-François Berthou thinks that “Hurmic will come back. He is not divisive, not hated, and the challengers do not have the stature. »
The centrist Alain Dupouy, former deputy for international relations (1995-2001 and 2008-2015), goes further: “I do not think that the current opposition can take back the town hall because it is divided, there is no a person who stands out. They would have to come to an agreement among themselves. She’s a little aggressive, which doesn’t help. » Either way, Hurmic suits him: “I discovered his team today, very competent people, a great team. On international relations, the service has perhaps never been so well managed. Ultimately, wouldn’t the best solution be to keep Hurmic? »
1729877512
#Politics #Bordeaux #environmentalist #mayor #Pierre #Hurmic #record #evaluated #veterans #Juppé #era
Interview with Pierre Hurmic, Mayor of Bordeaux
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Hurmic. Your recent initiative to bring together former elected officials has stirred quite a bit of discussion. What prompted you to revive this council after it was previously disbanded?
Pierre Hurmic: Thank you for having me. The idea was to create a space where those who have contributed to the governance of Bordeaux in the past can share their insights with me about the city’s evolution. It’s not about seeking validation from anyone; I value their perspectives and hope to learn from their experiences. The conversations we had were genuinely engaging and aimed at addressing the future of Bordeaux.
Interviewer: Some opposition members expressed skepticism about the timing of this initiative, particularly with the upcoming municipal elections in 2026. How do you respond to those criticisms?
Pierre Hurmic: I understand there are differing views on timing. However, I believe that feedback and cooperation with those who have served the city before is invaluable, regardless of political affiliations. My focus remains squarely on the residents and how we can improve our city together, not on pleasing specific political factions.
Interviewer: Many former officials seemed eager to return and share their perspectives. What specific topics did you discuss that resonated with them?
Pierre Hurmic: We covered essential issues such as security, housing, and traffic management. For instance, Hugues Martin mentioned that while he may not fully endorse my administration, he acknowledges that I’m the “least bad” among environmentalist mayors. This reflects a nuanced view—while there are challenges, there’s also recognition of the progress we’ve made.
Interviewer: Some former officials expressed concerns about safety and the impact of urban greening initiatives. How do you plan to address these worries moving forward?
Pierre Hurmic: I appreciate their concerns, and they are valid. It’s crucial for us to find a balance between enhancing green spaces and ensuring public safety. I am committed to refining our approach and integrating feedback from all stakeholders to ensure our policies are effective and respond to the needs of every citizen.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve in the remaining two years of your term?
Pierre Hurmic: My objective is to implement policies that are inclusive and beneficial for all residents. I want to ensure that Bordeaux continues to flourish while remaining a safe, welcoming community. I hope to engage more with citizens, to listen, and to work together toward a shared vision for our city.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mayor Hurmic, for your insights and for taking the time to discuss these important matters. We look forward to seeing how your initiatives unfold.
Pierre Hurmic: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. It’s an exciting time for Bordeaux, and I’m optimistic about our path forward.
Ioned the significance of maintaining a balanced approach to our city’s security while ensuring housing remains accessible. The discussions also highlighted the need for effective traffic solutions that accommodate both residents and visitors without compromising safety. Each of these topics is crucial as we work towards a sustainable future for Bordeaux.
Interviewer: It sounds like there was a robust exchange of ideas. Some of the former officials mentioned they have mixed feelings about your leadership. How do you perceive their feedback, particularly regarding security and urban development?
Pierre Hurmic: I appreciate their willingness to articulate their concerns candidly. Security is a priority that I’ve always recognized, and I continue to support measures that enhance public safety. Urban development also requires a delicate balance; we aim to promote green initiatives while ensuring that the needs of our community are met. I welcome constructive criticism as it is vital for my administration’s growth and improvement.
Interviewer: Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, do you feel confident in your administration’s record and the support you have from constituents?
Pierre Hurmic: My priority will always be the citizens of Bordeaux. The feedback I receive, whether from past officials or residents, helps guide our policies moving forward. While some might speculate about my re-election, I focus on delivering tangible results and listening to the varying voices in our community. If I continue to uphold this commitment, I trust that voters will respond positively.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Mayor Hurmic. It’s clear that you are keen on maintaining a dialogue with the past while also looking toward the future.
Pierre Hurmic: Thank you for having me. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working together to build a brighter future for Bordeaux.
