For the first day of the year, we went to meet the people of Nîmes to find out their wishes for 2023. They are different, varied and sometimes unexpected. After the famous “health and happiness”, in Nîmes we think of purchasing power, quality of life and also Nîmes Olympique.
A Sunday morning like any other on the streets of Nîmes. After the festivities, the inhabitants of Nîmes resumed their habits. We take the little dog out, we go buy him bread and the newspaper and we remake the world on the terrace of a café. This January 1, 2023 is no exception to the rule, but whoever says new year, says best wishes and hopes for this new chapter in our history. Out of the traditional Health and happiness “, the people we met this morning would like a change in their lives. Accompanied by her nephew and her dog, Véronique thinks back to everyday life: “ I would like the streets to be cleaner, rather that the people were less dirty and therefore more safe ».
“4 or 5 million to buy me a house and a piece of land in Uzège”
Not far from there, Pascal is sitting calmly on a bench. This 61-year-old Parisian has lived in Nîmes for 14 years and by 2023 he would like to win the lottery “Not 100 million, but 4 or 5 million to buy me a house and a piece of land in Uzège. I might even have pets”. For her part, Nathalie went out for a walk. This does not prevent the teacher from having some claims. ” I wish the Ministry of Education would give us more means to work well and more generally that people would be more open and less closed ».
“I want Nîmes Olympique to stay in Ligue 2”
On his bike and loaded with two bags, Robert has other worries. He checks the sports betting tickets. I bet on Monaco! For 2023? People just be happy “. Football is also a matter for Jérôme, this pensioner who will also bet some money on matches, but more for the game than for profit: “ At my age, I don’t need anything “. Crocodile fans are also out and for the new year they are thinking about their beloved NO: “ I want Nîmes Olympique to stay in Ligue 2. Because if they fall, they won’t get up. They absolutely need to strengthen the team. ».
Brahim would like family reunification to happen faster • Photo: Norman Garden
Also a Crocos fan, Gérard has a thought for those who suffer in the world: “ May peace return to warring countries. As for me, I just want things to hold up because you don’t need anything when you live at the Jean-Jaurès. We have everything we need to be happy “. January 1st or not, Sunday is also sports day. Monique, who travels around fifty kilometers on a weekly outing, has a message for the city of Nîmes: “ In 2023 I wish there were more facilities for daily cycling ».
“I would like the price of fuel to fall in 2023”
In the alleys Jean-Jaurès two friends are chatting. There are Ali and Brahim. The latter would like to lighten a bit the famous French administrative heaviness: ” That the Prefecture of Gard processes family reunification procedures more quickly. I would also like a salary increase “. In front of the Jardins de la Fontaine we meet walkers like Paulo whose desires are classic: “ Staying healthy is the most important thing. Then we win the lottery because I play but don’t win often. “. At his side Fernanda but also Paula who is thinking about the wallet: “ I would like the price of fuel to go down in 2023 because it is very expensive like everything in general “. The party is over and everyday life returns with its share of worries and problems, but the people of Nîmes keep smiling, always hoping that the best is yet to come.
Norman garden
