The new prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes took office on Monday, July 27, at the Palace of Sardinian Kings. Jean-Marie Girier intends to place his action under the sign of proximity and responsiveness.
He who was the youngest prefect of France at the age of 36 took up his duties in the Alpes-Maritimes department, this Monday, July 27. During his career, Jean-Marie Girier has had a career within the political sphere, notably as chief of staff to the Interior Minister and director of cabinet to the president of the National Assembly. He held prefectoral positions in three departments: the territory of Belfort, Vienne, and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The new state representative officially took office as prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, at the Palace of Sardinian Kings. On a territory facing complex issues, the new state representative admitted to knowing the Azure department only through his childhood memories. “That’s an advantage because I arrived without preconceived ideas,” he assured.
The actions envisioned by the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes are in line with those pursued by his predecessors. “I am aware of arriving in a very demanding department, which has significant challenges and which requires strong action from the State,” the senior official confided.
A rigorous and available prefect
The method of the new prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes is known to be a demanding reading of legality control. The prefectural authority advocates an impartial, neutral and fair approach, essential to its role. When taking office, the senior official stressed the importance of dialogue and listening. “We build public action only through in-depth dialogue with all stakeholders,” affirmed Jean-Marie Girier.
Given his political background alongside the Macronist party, the prefect assured that this would have no impact on his relationship with elected officials of different political leanings. “I am not and will not be a political prefect. I am a prefect of the Republic and I am here to serve the general interest,” he declared with conviction.
Proximity holds great importance for Jean-Marie Girier: “a prefect does not decide alone in his office. It is in the field that we observe and listen in order to make better decisions and to act better.”
Immediate action
His experience in the prefectural function for six years allowed him to face numerous issues, similar to those encountered in the Alpes-Maritimes territory.
As prefect of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the senior official mentioned having been mobilized on housing crisis issues on the Basque coast. “I will be very attentive to this issue,” Jean-Marie Girier guaranteed. This issue is linked to his desire to support projects of territories and local authorities. This position thus continues the housing revival plan presented by Laurent Hottiaux, formerly prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes.
Still in the continuity of his predecessors’ actions, the state representative placed security and immigration management as priorities. “The challenges here are particularly high, both in terms of combating drug trafficking and its effects on our neighborhoods,” the senior official declared. The prefect revealed that he has “made it a point this week to (deploy) across the entire territory.”
Yesterday evening, he went to the Ariane sector, with the BAC (Anti-Crime Brigade) to have initial contact in the field. The state representative will go on Wednesday, in the presence of the first deputy mayor of Nice, Françoise Souliman, a former prefect in various departments of France, to the Moulins area, notably to the Police Station which opened a few weeks ago.
Regarding migration, the new state representative announced that he would go this Tuesday afternoon to Menton with the border police and the Police and Customs Cooperation Centre in Ventimiglia to discuss important points.
Thus, the prefect of the Azure department is pursuing a concrete approach from the first days of his taking office.
Like his predecessor, the issue of climate change is also at the heart of his priorities. He notably emphasized the daily impacts of climate disruption in the lives of residents. “We must draw conclusions and establish guidelines so that we can work together on this issue,” declared Jean-Marie Girier.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
