At the end of an annus horribilis, we are entering 2021 with a real need for hope. However, the new relationship that has been established between the French and their local elected officials gives us hope.
Thanks to the proof by example of the effectiveness of our local communities: at the head of the communes, departments, regions, sometimes compensating for the shortcomings or the delays of a central State, the local elected officials were able to react quickly in the service of inhabitants of their territories.
It is also in the name of this responsiveness that mayors are now called upon by their fellow citizens to help accelerate the pace. vaccination of volunteers. We are only asking for this but we still have not received the green light from the authorities to organize it on a large scale!
It is always in the name of the efficiency of public action that the inhabitants of our regions could count on their local elected representatives to meet their expectations. Take the example of the great west. According to the barometer West France published on December 31, their main concerns would be: poverty and social inequalities, the decline of democratic values, climate change.
Hope is built
The first of the social inequalities remains unemployment. It may increase. The “economic development” and “vocational training” skills are the responsibility of the Regions. Together with the inter-municipal authorities, they must do everything possible to create the conditions for economic recovery, support employment and, therefore, reduce poverty.
The quality of the environment is everyone’s business. Everyone can and must act. Local elected officials, business leaders, citizens, etc. Here again, at regional and infra levels, we must set ourselves realistic targets for reducing greenhouse gases, developing the circular economy, recycling waste , water conservation …
Finally, if the decline of democratic values is mentioned, it is probably for at least two reasons. The feeling of the excessive concentration of powers at the central level and the questioning of fundamental freedoms. New prerogatives devolved to local authorities such as regions and inter-municipal authorities could remedy this.
Hope cannot be decreed, it is built. It is even consubstantial with the trust which imposes transparency, exemplarity, sincerity.
What if 2021 draws a new geography of trust?
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