In response to Christian Estrosi’s peremptory and assertive “things are going to change,” Christophe Castaner opted for a more ecumenical tone during the presentation of his project alongside the departmental list leaders: “Our project can be summed up in one word: together. Not side by side, nor against each other, but together. This project is about both resemblance and unity. It carries a pride: that of our region.”
Faced with the populism and defeatism of Marion Le Pen, the socialist candidate aims to be inclusive: “I hear this demand every day: ‘don’t decide for me but with me!’ It will be a term of dialogue. I’m launching a challenge; it’s necessary to regain trust in our institutions and to make PACA the most democratic region in France.”
Fine words, but will they be enough to change the dynamic of an election that appears to be going poorly for him and contradict the prediction that sees him largely defeated?
However, until the ballots are in, the fight must go on…
“This project focuses on gender equality, combating discrimination, unity, pride, and humanity. A project addressed to all the inhabitants of PACA; I want to reconnect with neglected areas, unite generations,” he asserted, with a conviction that reflects his reformist spirit: “We need to invent a new Region; that’s the meaning behind this project, developed through hundreds of meetings and roundtable discussions.”
Any proposals? The answer is clear: “This project is built around two commitments: No increase in tax pressure. No promises that can’t be kept.”
It includes some traditional axes of the social democracy claimed by the so-called Provençal Macron: “My first commitment will be to strengthen the vitality of our region. We invest, we invent.” But it is tempered by humanism: “Our Region must also bear the model of responsible economy tomorrow. It’s a model, a culture, but also a quest for meaning.”
Some indications on specific topics that are at the forefront of current events:
On territorial and housing policy: “We must build a territorial planning policy. I propose an approach adapted to each territory. Enforce the 25% housing quota for everyone in every city, break the ghettos, and give a boost to young people and families.”
On the school menu controversy: “I will systematically propose a vegetarian menu in schools. I refuse that school be a place of exclusion.”
After the disaster following the adverse weather in October in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes: “Preserving our environment means relearning to live with risk: 100% of communities will be equipped with the alert system by 2020.”
As for the very delicate subject and recent controversy over transportation and mobility: “I do not pit rail against road. I want to establish a true service contract with the State for a better sharing of the roads. More punctual, safe, ecological, our public transport must evolve. We will launch a regional transport plan.”
And to put a finger in the gear: “The new agreement with the SNCF will have one rule: punctuality is not optional. I want triple-A TER trains for users: On time. Seated. Informed.”
And, to conclude, a nod to the youth: “I want to make the Zou! card a unique solidarity tool with Zou! Education, Health, Leisure/Culture, and Sport.”
