Given the current state of public and political life, the title is both that of the book written by Séverine Tessier, a more than appropriate debate, and ultimately, a question that each citizen asks themselves.
It is therefore no coincidence that this “Conference debate” was apparently perceived as an act of civic engagement to be repeated, and for a first-time event, it was a great success… More than 200 people were present under the lens of France 2 cameras for a segment broadcast on November 15 in the show Complément d’enquête.
The proposed theme particularly resonated with the Vallaurians and Golfe-Juanais as they came in large numbers and actively participated in the debate, despite efforts by the majority municipal supporters towards the merchants and the intimidating reception orchestrated at the entrance of the hall by certain deputies.
Blandine ACKERMANN, president of the ADEGV (Association for the Protection of the Environment of Golfe-Juan Vallauris), welcomed the participants, including many elected officials from all parties, by presenting the missions of the ADEGV: to be a “whistleblower” in identifying decisions or projects affecting the environment and the quality of life in Vallauris Golfe-Juan and to carry out corrective actions. ADEGV has been an active public life participant for 40 years.
Jean-Christophe PICARD, the head of Anticor06, detailed the difficulties encountered in “making the competent authorities move” when he reports a malpractice or irregularity. He also lamented the low number of candidates for the legislative elections in the Alpes-Maritimes who signed the ethical charter proposed by Anticor: 6 out of 96! Similarly, he strongly regretted that these few signatories were so poorly supported by voters. He insists, “the fight against corruption begins at the polls!”
Jean-Noël FALCOU, a Golfe-Juanais behind the complaint filed jointly with ADEGV and Anticor06 in the Château Robert case, focused on the ethical shortcomings in Vallauris: a detailed presentation of the complaint in the Château Robert case, well-founded denunciation of the lack of transparency in the management of this city, and then revelation of a conflict of interest involving the deputy for urban planning who works for real estate developers he is supposed to oversee.
These brief introductory speeches allowed Séverine TESSIER to rely on the examples of Vallauris and other cities on the Côte d’Azur to elaborate more extensively on the key ideas highlighted in her book:
the necessity of an “ethical charter” that should permeate all sectors of public life;
citizen education;
involving citizens in tender committees;
engaging citizens in overseeing policies, particularly in the allocation of financial and associative aid.
A comprehensive debate with the audience eventually allowed for deeper discussion of both local issues (Château Robert, public lighting DSP, parking DSP, RN7 bypass…) and national matters (how to foster citizen awareness? How to promote citizen oversight? How to preemptively fight against corruption, etc.).
