Should the prime minister and mayor of a big city go to the citizens in question when nature is released? In this case, after the torrential rain that, on Friday, increased the flooding of houses.
The short answer is yes. Not during the event when priority is given to professionals trained to provide assistance. But soon after that.
Not to stick your face “in the camera”, but to look at the scene, listen to it, listen to it and understand its experience and what citizens suffer.
Are there human and financial tragedies? Can we anticipate serious psychological consequences that may also require help? Etc.
The human factor, increasingly forgotten, is nonetheless essential. It is even THE key to the future.
An important presence
Political leaders – especially if they are on leave – cannot implement the right remedies and just compensation if they limit themselves to the briefing notes of their staff.
Hence the importance of their presence “on the ground”. In the days following this exceptional rain, however, from the City of Montreal to the federal and provincial governments, they were absent.
Among them, returning late, Mayor Valérie Plante did not seem to realize the mistake she had also made in not showing up before.
When asked about her absence, she certainly made “excuses”, but they rang hollow.
Apologize and “if”
In fact, what she said was this: “If there are any Montrealers I want to be there, I’m sorry, but that doesn’t show any indifference.”
However, you don’t need a doctorate in false excuses to spot them as soon as the word “if” comes before them. Ms. Even Plante: “I’m not a firefighter.”
Very true. Valérie Plante, on the other hand, is the mayor of Montreal. And this is why she should be present earlier with citizens.
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