Two associations wish to organize a citizen vote aimed at gauging the residents of the five municipalities in the Roya Valley on the project of integrating them into the French Riviera Agglomeration Community…
It seems that the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes wants to prevent, by any means, the organization of any consultation on this subject. This stance leaves us perplexed…
First of all, the arguments he defends are completely absurd from a legal standpoint. Moreover, the legality of citizen votes organized by associations has been recognized by jurisprudence (decision of the Nîmes administrative court on September 30, 2009, regarding the citizen vote on the future of La Poste).
Above all, one may question the utility of such obstinacy. Indeed, it is up to the Prefect, and him alone, to finalize the departmental intercommunal cooperation plan. Therefore, he will not be bound by the opinion expressed within the framework of this citizen vote.
Beyond the question posed, it is legitimate to be concerned about seeing the new Prefect attack the freedoms of association and expression so harshly. He seems to be afflicted by a phobia of democracy, which does not bode well for the future.
Jean-Christophe Picard, president of PRG 06
