2024-11-20 12:00:00
“I have so much to tell you. I don’t know how you’re going to fix this. » It is at the end of a summer municipal council, on 17 July, after a last battle with the opposition, that Emmanuel François, mayor of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Indre-et-Loire), announced his resignation, almost two years before the end of his mandate. “I was actually relieved. It was difficult, challenging and frustrating.”confides without label the one who was elected in the 2020 municipal elections. An example that illustrates the wave of resignations of municipal councilors that is hitting the country at the opening of the Congress of Mayors, Tuesday 19 November, in Paris.
Originally, the fifty-year-old had put his career as a general practitioner on hold to hope to change his city through involvement in politics, for him “breathing a new dynamic”, he said at the time. “The metropolis saw me arrive with a certain desire to change things, a certain purity, I dare say. » Shortly after his resignation, his political entourage described an exhausted and discouraged man, especially after the arson of his doctor’s office in September 2022. But the reasons are much more different.
Until the arrival of Mr. François, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps has always been a stronghold of the French Communist Party. The previous mayor, Marie-France Beaufils, reigned there for thirty-seven years (1983 to 2020). Succeeding him at the helm of this town of 15,000 souls on the outskirts of Tours, he says he encountered fierce opposition. “We didn’t have a particular label except one person, at MoDem”he explains, accusing the opposition of having “ always broadcast” his team likes him “right-wing” deposit “to unite, without a doubt”.
Ego, networks, interests
He also discovered a bloodless economy: “In 2021 we will once again vote for an unbalanced budget but with no choice but to raise taxes. Ultimately, when I left, we were surplus to requirements. To do this it will have been necessary to start getting rid of the ruined and never maintained real estate assets”he states convinced of this“We must first generate wealth to hope to get residents out of their difficulties.”
Emmanuel François, who says he had to manage municipal agents at the end of his rope, mentions some casting errors within his own municipal team. The changes then needed were painful. “When some people get a mandate as a deputy or councillor, they feel like they are gaining ground in life. Risking losing this mandate is a bit like losing your pride, your dignity. »
What are the main reasons behind the rising trend of municipal resignations in France?
Interview at the Congress of Mayors: Exploring the Crisis of Municipal Resignations
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special interview coverage from the Congress of Mayors in Paris. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Emmanuel François, the recently resigned mayor of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. Dr. François, thank you for joining us.
Emmanuel François (EF): Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to share my perspective.
TNE: You recently announced your resignation, almost two years before your term was officially set to end. Can you share what led to this difficult decision?
EF: Certainly. It was a culmination of many challenges. When I was elected in 2020, I came in with a lot of ambition and hope, wanting to breathe new life into our community. However, I quickly realized that the political landscape was far more hostile than I had anticipated. The opposition was fierce, and I found myself battling not just policies but also perceptions.
TNE: You mentioned feeling relieved after your resignation. That sounds quite profound. Could you elaborate on why you felt this relief?
EF: Absolutely. I loved serving my community, but the constant strain of opposition and the challenges that came with it wore me down. The arson of my doctor’s office, in particular, was a traumatic experience. However, it wasn’t just that; it was a series of frustrations that left me exhausted. I felt I was swimming against the tide.
TNE: It must have been incredibly tough, especially considering the history of your municipality. Saint-Pierre-des-Corps has been a stronghold of the French Communist Party for decades. Did this legacy add to the challenges you faced?
EF: Yes, without a doubt. Following in the footsteps of Marie-France Beaufils, who served for 37 years, was daunting. There was an expectation to continue her legacy, yet I was seen as an outsider trying to bring in new ideas. The label of being “right-wing” was often unfairly thrust upon me and my team, despite us not having any clear political alignment.
TNE: In light of your experiences, it seems there’s a broader trend of municipal resignations happening across France. Why do you think that is?
EF: There’s definitely a wave of resignation among mayors, and it reflects a crisis in municipal governance. The pressures are immense—political opposing forces, public scrutiny, and the weight of the responsibilities can be daunting. Many mayors come in with idealism but face harsh realities that lead to burnout and disillusionment.
TNE: As your tenure highlights, how important is the support system for mayors in navigating these challenges?
EF: It’s crucial. Mayors need not only community support but also a robust political network that allows for collaboration rather than conflict. Without that, the system can feel isolating, making it difficult to enact change. I hope that going forward, we can foster environments that prioritize cooperation.
TNE: What would you like to see improve in terms of the political environment for future mayors?
EF: I think it’s essential to create dialogue across different political lines. Initiatives that encourage respect and understanding among diverse views can pave the way for effective governance. If we could shift the focus from antagonism to collaboration, it would make a world of difference.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. François. Your insights shed light on the struggles many mayors face today. We appreciate you sharing your story.
EF: Thank you. I hope it resonates and encourages future leaders. The role of a mayor can be incredibly rewarding, but it must come with the right support and shared vision.
TNE: That’s all for our interview today. Join us tomorrow as we continue to explore the challenges facing local leaders at the Congress of Mayors here in Paris.