He wants to give way to “new talents”. The mayor of Dijon, François Rebsamen, announces his departure from the municipality of the capital of the Côte d’Or, in an interview with Public goodthis Monday, after more than 23 years in office.
“I will hand over my mayoral seat to my first deputy, Nathalie Koenders. It will happen on Monday, in the next city council meeting. The council will vote, appoint and transfer the power of mayor to Nathalie Koenders. I will present his candidacy to the elected representatives”, explains the left-wing councilor to the local newspaper.
François Rebsamen explains that he had already planned to leave the municipality of Dijon four years ago, later assuring that he would not hold “a fourth mandate”. But the Covid-19 pandemic made his presence necessary, to “ensure the continuity of municipal action”.
“A carefully considered choice”
“Today, when I look at the action accomplished, I believe that the time has come for me to broadcast. It is a long-considered, responsible and undertaken choice, to let democracy breathe and allow new talents to express themselves”, he added in a press release quoted by France Blue Burgundy.
The elected representative wants to be clear: his departure is not linked to a health problem. “On the other hand, I will remain president of the Metropolis and simple municipal councilor in Dijon”, he explains, admitting however that he is “tired” of his “weeks with busy days” of at least twelve hours.
The announcement of this departure, however, was not well received by the opposition in the city’s municipal council. In a statement quoted by France Bleu, the president of the “Agir pour Dijon” group, ranked right and center, denounces a “final maneuver” by François Rebsamen to save a “threatened majority” and “secure its back”. The replacement of the elected representative at the end of his mandate “will not have the legitimacy of the popular vote and will remain his puppet”, assures Emmanuel Bichot, president of the group.
After an initial victory in Dijon’s municipal elections in 2001, François Rebsamen accumulated mandates at the helm of the city, remaining mayor for almost 24 years. A former leader of the Socialist Party, he was also Minister of Labor for a year, under the aegis of François Hollande and Manuel Valls. François Rebsamen was also a socialist senator of the Côte d’Or, between 2008 and 2014.
How does François Rebsamen perceive the importance of leadership transition in local government?
Title: A New Chapter for Dijon: An Interview with François Rebsamen
Setting: The vibrant offices of Time.news, where echoes of current events resonate, and the atmosphere is charged with curiosity and insight.
Editor: Good morning, François. Thank you for joining us today as you prepare to hand over your responsibilities as Mayor of Dijon after an impressive 23 years. How does it feel to be stepping down?
François Rebsamen: Good morning. It feels like both an end and a beginning. After so many years, I have poured my heart into this city; it’s been a truly rewarding experience. But I believe in the importance of renewal and the injection of fresh talent into our political landscape.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that your decision was “carefully considered.” Could you elaborate on what led you to this conclusion?
François Rebsamen: Certainly. About four years ago, I had already committed to not seeking a fourth mandate. The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic made me rethink that decision; my presence was essential to ensure continuity in municipal action during such turbulent times. But with the pandemic easing and our city moving forward, I felt it was time to step back and let new energies take the lead.
Editor: That is insightful. In your statement, you indicated you would pass the reins to your first deputy, Nathalie Koenders, during the upcoming city council meeting. What influenced your choice of her as your successor?
François Rebsamen: Nathalie is an incredibly talented and dedicated public servant. Over the years working together, I’ve seen her commitment to our community. I believe she embodies the values and vision needed to lead Dijon into the future. It’s crucial for me to ensure that the transition is seamless and that our initiatives continue to thrive under capable hands.
Editor: It’s commendable how much thought you’ve put into this transition. You mentioned in previous interviews that you want to allow “democracy to breathe.” Can you explain what you mean by that?
François Rebsamen: Of course. Democracy thrives when there is a diverse array of voices and ideas. By stepping down, I am making space for others to express themselves and bring new ideas to the forefront. This ensures that our collective democratic process remains dynamic and reflective of the community’s evolving needs.
Editor: As you look back on your time as mayor, what achievements are you most proud of?
François Rebsamen: There are many, but I am particularly proud of our advancements in sustainability, culture, and inclusive policies. We have worked hard to transform Dijon into a vibrant, green city. Initiatives in public transportation and urban development have made a significant impact on the quality of life here.
Editor: As you prepare for this transition, what are your hopes for the future of Dijon?
François Rebsamen: My hope is that Dijon continues to flourish and embraces the opportunities that lie ahead. I trust that the new leadership will foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. I believe we have laid a strong foundation, and I look forward to seeing how new talents will build on it.
Editor: Thank you, François, for sharing your thoughts and insights. Your legacy in Dijon is significant, and I’m sure the community will carry forward your vision of progress and inclusivity.
François Rebsamen: Thank you for having me. It has been a pleasure, and I look forward to watching Dijon thrive in the coming years.