Patrick Allemand’s well-wishes to the press were an opportunity for some reflections on recent events and to convey certain messages for future perspectives.
“The French people, by responding to the call of the President of the Republic, have shown their moral strength. This republican resurgence is also a message to the political class so that the democratic debate never loses sight of the fundamental values. It is time to return to the essentials,” is the lesson Patrick Allemand draws from the dramatic and harrowing ordeal of the Paris attacks.
“It’s great that we all gathered to demonstrate, the Promenade des Anglais packed with people was a magnificent moment but now we must not turn the page and revert to old habits; certain values must become anchored in the lives of citizens beyond political divides,” added the socialist elected representative.
To follow up on the major principles, here are two examples Patrick Allemand addresses to the mayor of Nice, an outright opponent of the reform of school hours and everything that ensues: Why not take advantage of the introduction of the territorial educational project starting from the next school year to introduce teaching that values the knowledge of French history to students from immigrant backgrounds? Why not promote the Charter of Secularism which, despite its imperfections, remains a useful tool for explaining certain prohibitions without it having a negative impact on other cultures?
Another appeal to the mayor of Nice comes from the organization of the referendum against the privatization of the airport: “there is unanimity among all political groups in the City Council to oppose it. Additionally, it is pointless, because if we can change or influence the law, it certainly won’t be with the result of a non-binding consultation that will remain without consequence.”
What significance can this act really have if not to create an artificial controversy and play the populist?
Then, Patrick Allemand addressed the issue directly: “I have stepped down from the responsibility of departmental secretary of the Socialist Party (and, by the way, I am happy that the members have chosen Xavier Garcia, with whom I share the same vision of politics, to succeed me) partly due to the demands of my role in the PACA Region where I have been Vice-President for three terms. The departure of Michel Vauzelle morally obliges me to commit to ensuring that the work done is not dispersed by a change in direction.”
In fact, the new competencies of the regional institution, especially regarding economic projects funded by the European Union, have broadened its scope.
The territorial reform currently under review in the National Assembly and the Senate will complete this reorganization by granting the Regions (which will become 13) a more significant centrality.
“Faced with new ambitions, a new project is needed by those who know the previous one and will be able to implement it. Through my responsibilities over three terms, I have the legitimacy to fulfill this role,” Patrick Allemand further states.
To conclude: “My personal ambition will stop there if another solution could be the better one. My approach is part of building the best possible solution that far exceeds my ambition.”
