During the Council of Ministers held yesterday, a new prefect was appointed in the Alpes-Maritimes. It is Hugues Moutouh, previously stationed in Hérault.
It was an open secret. Since the mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, had let the cat out of the bag two months earlier, the position of Bernard Gonzalez was coveted. After four years of good and loyal service marked by the Basilica attack, the Covid crisis and storm Alex, he did not have a restful term. A departure desired according to the Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Now it is Hugues Moutouh, aged 55, who will take up his duties in the Alpes-Maritimes. A former university professor in public law, and a jurist, the new prefect is known for his impactful statements. For instance, during the riots following the death of Nahel in Île-de-France at the beginning of summer. He called for parents to take responsibility. “If tomorrow, you catch your kid going into the street to burn police cars, attack firefighters, or loot stores… What’s the method? It’s two slaps and to bed! That’s what our grandparents did,” he stated on the France Bleu channel.
Security, Hugues Moutouh’s Battle Cry
A man with a firm hand. That’s how the new prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes is presented. He was the first to issue an “anti-casseroles” order. A story dating back to the president’s visit to Hérault, against opponents of the pension reform. Described as a “bulldozer” prefect, his arrival has been welcomed by Christian Estrosi and Jean Leonetti.
Among the current issues are the increase in knife assaults and drug trafficking. Two themes on which the oppositions will await the new prefect.
In Hérault, Hugues Moutouh hands over his position to the former chief of staff of Emmanuel Macron, François-Xavier Lauch.
