LE CLUB spécial grand débat des municipales à Arles

Name: LE CLUB spécial grand débat des municipales à Arles
Uploaded: 2026-02-18T06:46:14.000Z
Duration: 2 h 24 min 37 s

Debate on Municipal Elections in Arles

Introduction to the Debate

The debate is introduced as a special edition focusing on the upcoming municipal elections in Arles, scheduled for March 15 and 22.

François Martin and journalist Adelle are present to moderate and discuss the event.

Candidates Presenting Their Lists

Four candidates are introduced:

Jean-Michel Jalabert representing a local list.

Nicolas Cucas from "L'Union."

Jessila Regade from "Digne et Solidaire."

Anne Testu from "Lutte Ouvrière."

Key Issues in the Municipal Elections

The discussion highlights significant themes for the elections, including:

Urban development.

Cleanliness of public spaces.

Economic challenges facing Arles.

Current Political Climate

The political landscape is described as tense with:

A divided outgoing administration.

Leftist parties like LFI positioning themselves strategically.

The presence of far-right candidates increasing competition.

Socioeconomic Context of Arles

Coralie provides statistics indicating:

High structural unemployment rates and seasonal tourism issues affecting the city’s economy.

Demographics and Education Statistics

Discussion on demographic changes reveals:

A declining youth population with only about 5,000 students enrolled in schools across Arles.

Cultural Significance of Arles

The city is noted for its cultural heritage, including:

Historical sites such as ancient theaters and museums attracting international attention.

Economic Indicators

Recent economic data shows:

An increase in tourism by approximately 12% since pre-pandemic levels (2019).

Candidate Introductions: Personal Backgrounds

Jean-Michel Jalabert's Introduction

Jalabert shares his personal connection to Arles, emphasizing his family roots and entrepreneurial experience.

Nicolas Cucas's Introduction

Cucas discusses his background as a civil servant and his commitment to social issues stemming from historical resistance movements.

Jessila Regade's Introduction

Regade emphasizes her focus on dignity and solidarity within her campaign platform, advocating for inclusive decision-making processes.

Anne Testu's Introduction

Testu addresses workers' rights, highlighting her dedication to all laborers regardless of their voting eligibility due to immigration status.

This structured overview captures key moments from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Security Debate in Arles

Introduction to the Security Debate

The debate begins with a focus on security issues in Arles, highlighting concerns such as burglary and nighttime scooter racing. The speaker notes a growing feeling of insecurity despite overall declining crime rates in urban areas by 2025.

Current Crime Statistics

Official statistics reveal a paradox: while general delinquency is down, violent crimes (72 cases in 2024) and drug trafficking arrests (715 in the same year) indicate persistent issues affecting neglected neighborhoods.

Proposals for Enhancing Security

Candidates are challenged to propose concrete solutions to improve safety for residents, particularly mothers who feel unsafe in public spaces like parking lots and building halls. The discussion raises questions about balancing punitive measures with social prevention strategies.

Jean-Michel Gelabert's Perspective

Gelabert emphasizes that insecurity is a primary concern among citizens, noting an increase in police presence since 2020 with 54 municipal officers for a population of 53,000. However, he questions if this is adequate given the city's proximity to Marseille and Nîmes.

He points out the lack of nighttime police presence as a significant issue, suggesting that patrol hours need extending beyond current limits which end at 11 PM. This gap allows nighttime disturbances like scooter racing to persist without intervention.

Gelabert proposes mobile police units—converted buses—to enhance community engagement and preventive dialogue rather than solely relying on traditional policing methods. This approach aims to foster trust between law enforcement and local youth.

Madame Regade's Vision

Regade introduces the concept of "public tranquility," advocating for police-community interaction rather than conflictual relationships. She stresses addressing root causes of violence, including narcotrafficking, through collaboration with national police forces and public health initiatives.

She suggests establishing public service houses within neighborhoods where police can work closely with citizens to rebuild trust lost over time due to past perceptions of law enforcement practices. This initiative aims at creating safer environments through community cooperation rather than fear-based policing tactics.

Nicolas Cucas' Insights

Cucas acknowledges two main approaches: increasing visible police presence while also enhancing preventive measures to address underlying issues before they escalate into crises.

He highlights alarming statistics from recent years—six deaths and numerous injuries linked to crime—which underscore the urgency of effective security strategies.

Cucas argues that while municipalities have created local police forces, these do not fully meet community needs regarding scheduling or operational effectiveness; thus further reforms may be necessary for improved outcomes in public safety efforts.

Prevention and Security Challenges in Local Communities

The Impact of Policy Changes on Community Safety

The speaker highlights the detrimental effects of government policies on prevention tools provided to associations and social centers since 2020, emphasizing a need for more resources.

There is a recognition of the failure of local administration over the past six years, particularly regarding security measures that municipalities can implement despite state-level responsibilities.

A notable increase in municipal police recruitment (around fifty officers), but community feedback indicates dissatisfaction with their focus on minor infractions rather than visible presence in neighborhoods.

Rebuilding Trust Between Police and Communities

The necessity for dialogue and proximity between police and youth is stressed, as current perceptions are dominated by images of severity rather than understanding.

The speaker argues against disarming municipal police, advocating instead for their presence and authority to maintain order while fostering human connections with citizens.

Economic Insecurity as a Form of Social Instability

Discussion shifts to economic insecurity affecting working-class individuals, citing examples like Stellantis workers facing layoffs amidst corporate financial mismanagement.

Emphasis is placed on how economic injustice contributes to broader feelings of insecurity within communities, leading to protests for better severance packages.

Addressing Local Crime Through Community Engagement

Questions arise about practical solutions mayors can implement regarding local crime issues; personal experiences from residents highlight ongoing challenges.

Acknowledgment that drug trafficking exacerbates local crime problems, linking it back to larger systemic issues involving wealth concentration among elites.

Building Human Connections in Policing

The importance of establishing rapport between police officers and community members is reiterated; effective policing should not be adversarial but collaborative.

Proposals include creating public service houses where police can engage directly with citizens, especially vulnerable populations such as victims of domestic violence.

Discussion on Local Security and Police Powers

Key Insights on Police Proximity and Municipal Authority

The discussion highlights the challenge of recreating a sense of local police presence, with participants questioning how this can be effectively achieved.

A participant expresses strong support for extending municipal police powers, particularly in addressing drug-related offenses.

Mobile police units are proposed as a solution to enhance community engagement by patrolling neighborhoods and receiving complaints directly from residents.

Emphasis is placed on not stigmatizing neighborhood residents; the focus should be on addressing drug consumers rather than blaming the communities themselves.

The need for increased state resources is stressed, especially in larger municipalities where public safety services are crucial.

Transition to Economic Issues: Power of Purchase

Local Government's Role in Economic Relief

The conversation shifts to discussing local government strategies to improve citizens' purchasing power through fiscal adjustments.

Suggestions include modifying local taxes such as property tax and waste management fees, alongside implementing social tariffs for essential services.

Addressing Poverty and Wage Concerns

Acknowledgment that Arles faces significant poverty issues, with many residents struggling due to low wages amidst rising costs of living.

Advocacy for workers’ rights emphasizes that mayors alone cannot resolve economic disparities; collective action among workers is necessary for wage increases.

Strategies for Enhancing Worker Rights

The speaker argues that organized labor can demand higher wages effectively, suggesting that salary increases should align with rising prices.

There’s a call for practical measures like reducing taxes and service fees to alleviate financial burdens on citizens.

Focused Solutions for Arles Residents

Participants are encouraged to present specific proposals tailored to the needs of Arles residents rather than general worker advocacy applicable elsewhere.

Discussion includes potential initiatives within the community framework aimed at improving economic conditions specifically for Arlésiens.

Transportation Policies and Social Equity

Discussion on Free Transportation for Youth and Seniors

The speaker advocates for free transportation for youth under 18 and seniors, highlighting that this demographic represents about 33% of users. They argue that both taxable and non-taxable individuals should contribute to transport costs, which is not the case in Marseille.

The speaker questions why seniors over 60 in certain areas do not pay for transportation while others do, suggesting it reflects a political choice with significant financial implications (e.g., €380,000 for elderly transport).

Political Choices Impacting Public Services

Emphasizing the role of political decisions, the speaker notes that choices made by politicians can lead to increased service costs without clear benefits to citizens.

The need for free access to public pools during summer is raised as a way to support families who cannot afford vacations, stressing the importance of equitable access to recreational facilities.

Economic Measures Supporting Families

Proposals include providing school supplies kits for children in schools as part of a broader strategy to enhance purchasing power among families.

There are calls for extending childcare hours at schools and implementing flexible pricing models to better support working families.

Employment and Economic Development

The discussion shifts towards creating jobs as a means of improving purchasing power. It’s argued that higher-quality employment opportunities can reduce unemployment rates effectively.

Perspectives on Transportation Accessibility

A counterpoint is presented regarding total free transportation; while some measures will be taken for vulnerable groups (like seniors or disabled individuals), complete free access could lead to reduced service efficiency due to fewer bus rotations.

Examples from other cities like Montpellier are cited where free transportation has been successfully implemented without compromising service quality, emphasizing the need for adequate funding mechanisms.

Critique of Current Policies

A critique is made regarding past governance focused on investment without addressing social issues in neighborhoods. The speaker highlights neglect faced by lower-income communities over five years under current leadership.

Proposals include striving towards free transportation and meals in schools, particularly emphasizing nutrition needs among children from low-income families.

Concerns are raised about misallocated funds (e.g., €86 million spent with little visible impact), calling attention to deteriorating conditions in schools and essential services needing urgent attention.

Discussion on School Conditions and Infrastructure Investments

Current State of Schools

The speaker emphasizes that they are not a spokesperson but acknowledges the dire state of schools, highlighting issues such as inadequate heating and extreme heat during summer months.

Investment Plans for Schools

The speaker notes past investments at the beginning of their term but indicates a significant drop in funding over subsequent years. They mention plans to invest €21 million in schools and sports infrastructure over the next six years.

Renovation Goals

A commitment is made to renovate half of the schools (approximately 20 schools) within six years, asserting that this plan is financially viable and not just an election promise.

Concerns About Municipal Financial Recognition

Need for Special Status

The speaker discusses efforts to obtain special recognition from the Ministry of Finance for Arl, citing its unique challenges due to its size and extensive road network.

Financial Challenges Ahead

It is highlighted that regardless of who is mayor, financial difficulties will persist without additional support from the state.

Debate on Waste Management Issues

Current Waste Management Problems

The discussion shifts to waste management, with acknowledgment of ongoing strikes by garbage collectors demanding better working conditions.

Evaluation of Service Management

Questions arise about whether waste management should remain public or be privatized. The current service's effectiveness under community management is debated.

Critique of Previous Administration's Performance

Assessment of Cleanliness in Arl

Criticism is directed towards the previous administration for failing to improve cleanliness in Arl despite promises made six years ago.

Organizational Failures Identified

The speaker points out disorganization within waste services leading to increased costs and poor outcomes, calling for political accountability.

Proposals for Improvement in Waste Services

Strengthening Public Services

Emphasis on enhancing public waste services rather than privatizing them; calls for better organization and collaboration with municipal staff.

Addressing Staff Concerns

Acknowledgment that recent strikes were justified due to poor working conditions; advocates for improved support and resources for municipal workers.

Challenges Faced by Current Administration

Historical Context

Discussion about inherited issues from previous administrations regarding waste management inefficiencies; highlights unprecedented levels of disorganization faced currently.

Commitment to Public Service Values

Reaffirmation of belief in public service as essential for community welfare; stresses importance of maintaining quality standards through effective governance.

Waste Management and Community Responsibility

Current State of Waste Management

The speaker highlights the neglect in waste management, noting that areas are left abandoned and calls for action have gone unanswered.

A proposal is made to generalize composting and install public composters, referencing a law from 2024 that remains unimplemented.

Emphasis on improving waste sorting quality and adapting collection schedules to enhance recycling efforts.

Challenges in Recycling

The speaker mentions that only 10% of waste is effectively recycled, raising concerns about the adequacy of current treatment facilities.

Discussion on the financial responsibility for waste management, suggesting that polluters should bear costs rather than local communities.

Governance and Public Services

Questions arise regarding whether local authorities are equipped to manage waste effectively, especially with insufficient investments in biodégradable waste sorting.

The conversation shifts to cleanliness beyond just waste collection; it includes broader aspects of urban maintenance.

Organizational Issues

The need for better organization within municipal services is stressed; simply increasing staff numbers without proper management will not yield results.

Respect and communication with municipal workers are deemed essential for effective service delivery.

Community Engagement and Enforcement

A proposal for a surveillance brigade to monitor public cleanliness and enforce regulations against littering is introduced as a means to improve community responsibility.

Clarification between responsibilities of different municipal bodies regarding waste collection is necessary to avoid confusion among residents.

Future Considerations

There’s an acknowledgment of past promises regarding urban cleanliness improvements, indicating ongoing challenges despite previous commitments.

Municipal Challenges and Proposals in Harle

Issues with Graffiti and Cleanliness

The presence of graffiti in the city center has been noted for four years, raising concerns about municipal oversight. Residents feel that there is a lack of agents to monitor these issues.

Recent discussions highlighted an increase in graffiti, indicating a growing problem that has not been adequately addressed by local authorities.

Waste Management Concerns

There is a significant issue with illegal dumping in Harle, necessitating the establishment of a new waste disposal facility to support local artisans and comply with regulations. Currently, they must travel far to dispose of their waste properly.

A long-term vision for waste management is essential; effective ecological planning could turn waste into a revenue source through proper treatment methods like methanization, which can also benefit soil fertility.

Political Accountability and Project Proposals

Questions were raised regarding why certain beneficial projects were not proposed during the past five years under previous leadership, highlighting accountability among elected officials. The speaker emphasizes the need for proactive governance rather than reactive measures.

The discussion transitions towards economic development as candidates prepare to address pressing social challenges facing Harle's community amidst rising costs and unemployment rates.

Economic Development Strategies

Harle attracts 2 million tourists annually but faces significant economic challenges such as high unemployment rates in specific neighborhoods and inflated housing costs due to seasonal demand. Candidates are tasked with balancing growth while preserving cultural heritage amid these pressures.

Proposed strategies include ecological planning aimed at fostering sustainable local production instead of relying on superficial measures that do not address underlying issues affecting small businesses and housing availability. This approach seeks to revitalize the economy while supporting local enterprises effectively.

Housing Crisis Insights

The current housing situation reflects urban capitalism's impact, leading to gentrification and many vacant properties; residents struggle to find affordable living spaces within Harle's tense market conditions. Addressing this crisis is central to future proposals from candidates seeking election support.

Suggestions include extending rental permits beyond just historical centers and providing financial assistance for property renovations while capping rent increases to ensure affordability for residents moving forward. This strategy aims at stabilizing the community amidst ongoing changes in demographics and economic pressures.

Housing and Economic Development Challenges in Arles

Issues with Housing Quality and Affordability

The current state of housing in Arles is unacceptable, with many properties exhibiting mold and poor living conditions. Social landlords are misleading tenants about their responsibilities.

There is a significant pressure on social landlords from local authorities to improve housing conditions, highlighting the need for strong leadership from mayors.

The relationship between economic development and housing is crucial; gentrification is evident, exacerbated by the rise of Airbnb rentals that limit family housing availability.

Regulatory Challenges

There has been a lack of regulatory action on short-term rentals like Airbnb compared to other cities such as Marseille, leading to increased housing scarcity.

Flood risk management and urban planning are critical issues affecting new developments in Arles, which deter potential residents due to additional costs associated with construction regulations.

Strategies for Attracting Businesses

Local initiatives aim to enhance economic attractiveness through strategic planning, but challenges remain in providing adequate housing for incoming businesses' employees.

A focus on logistics zones indicates outdated choices; there’s a pressing need to address land use issues effectively to attract businesses back into the area.

Economic Development Initiatives

The mayor's role includes advocating for changes in local urban planning laws (PPRI), ensuring that Arles does not become stagnant due to rigid regulations.

Despite promises of exponential economic growth over six years, no new companies have established themselves in Arles. Upcoming programs will target sectors like environmental sustainability.

Addressing Salary and Housing Market Disparities

Discussions highlight the importance of aligning wages with living costs; high rents are unsustainable without corresponding salary increases for residents.

Concerns arise regarding public contracts awarded for construction projects; there’s a call for accountability in ensuring affordable housing amidst rising private sector developments.

Emphasis on mixed-income strategies aims at balancing luxury and social housing but requires addressing underlying wage issues first before tackling broader economic development goals.

Economic Development and Urban Revitalization Strategies

Prioritizing New Business Zones

The speaker emphasizes the need to create new business zones to attract companies, stating that current proposals are lacking in this area.

A specific location for a new activity zone is mentioned, planned for Scott, with an inventory of potential sites already defined.

The importance of establishing these zones is highlighted as essential for economic development and job creation.

Addressing Urban Challenges

Discussion shifts to the challenges facing the city center, particularly regarding vacant shops and housing issues that hinder urban revitalization.

Proposals include changing the use of commercial spaces into residential units or offices to repopulate the city center and stimulate economic activity.

Parking and Accessibility Issues

The speaker identifies parking shortages as a significant barrier to attracting visitors back to the city center, noting that there are only about 400 parking spaces available.

Suggestions include improving marketing strategies aimed at local residents to encourage them to rediscover their city center.

Community Engagement and Economic Tools

A proposal from a previous debate regarding a municipal real estate fund (foncière) is revisited; it was initially dismissed but is now considered valuable for urban revitalization efforts.

The establishment of a new foncière is underway within the community agglomeration, which could facilitate redevelopment projects similar to those seen in other cities.

Final Thoughts on Economic Development

The speaker reflects on past discussions about economic tools not being utilized effectively during their term, emphasizing the need for active engagement with these resources.

As discussions conclude, participants share their impressions of the evening's debates, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by lower-income classes in relation to economic development.

Debate Insights and Political Choices

The Importance of Choice in Political Intervention

Discussion on the necessity of making choices regarding political interventions, highlighting concerns over funding military equipment rather than addressing pressing social issues.

A warning that neglecting these choices could lead to dire consequences for society when the repercussions become evident.

Impressions from the Evening's Debate

Nicolas Cucas shares his thoughts on the evening, expressing surprise or interest in certain discussions, particularly around leftist unity.

Emphasis on personal identity within political affiliations; Cucas identifies as a communist candidate while acknowledging diverse ecological perspectives within his list.

Engagement with Local Issues

Recognition of local engagement and commitment among participants, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in political discourse.

Regret expressed over the absence of extreme right and Macronist representatives in debates, indicating a desire for comprehensive discussions involving all political spectrums.

Addressing Social Challenges

Genabert notes that common challenges are recognized across parties, stressing the need for solutions based on public feedback and priorities.

Acknowledgment of social misery and poverty faced by constituents; emphasis on collective efforts to support those in need through community initiatives.

Proposals for Economic Dignity

Discussion about free extracurricular activities impacting low-income families' purchasing power; proposals include free parking options to alleviate economic burdens.

Advocacy for dignity in addressing economic issues; calls for practical solutions from local governance without unrealistic promises.

Reflections on Debate Dynamics

Journalists reflect on the respectful nature of debates despite occasional tensions; acknowledgment that significant work remains to address city challenges like waste management and community support.

Observations about two factions within leftist politics during debates; recognition that while there may be disagreements, constructive dialogue is essential.

Discussion on Local Governance and Societal Issues

Key Challenges in Waste Management and Security

The discussion highlights the importance of waste management as a future challenge, emphasizing its relevance in local governance.

There is a noted communication gap between two factions of the left; one experiencing immediate struggles and another more established, leading to misunderstandings about feasible solutions.

Mayors are increasingly on the front lines regarding public services (SP), with public-private partnerships emerging for efficiency in local governance.

Final Arguments from Candidates

As the program nears its conclusion, candidates are given one minute each to present their final arguments, focusing on their vision for change.

Candidate Testu's Perspective

Testu addresses workers directly, urging them to organize against exploitation and reclaim societal power through collective action.

She emphasizes that what is lacking among workers is social weight—the ability to lead society despite already managing economic functions.

Candidate Jade's Message

Jade speaks about her political engagement stemming from experiences of racism and invisibility, encouraging those affected to maintain dignity and resist humiliation.

Her candidacy aims to promote local democracy by involving constituents rather than making decisions on their behalf.

Candidate Coucas' Vision

Coucas expresses optimism about uniting leftist parties post-legislative elections, highlighting an agreement aimed at addressing municipal issues like health and security.

He stresses the need for consultation in policy-making processes, advocating for trust-building between elected officials and citizens.

Candidate Jeanabert's Commitment

Jeanabert reflects pride in his team’s commitment to community engagement over five years, indicating a focus on listening to Arlésiens’ needs for future programs.

Discussion on Local Governance and Community Engagement

Importance of Community Input in Local Programs

The speaker emphasizes the significance of community feedback, stating that numerous meetings were held to ensure the program aligns with the expectations of the residents of Arles.

The choice of naming their list "Closer to Arl" reflects a commitment to embodying this vision for the future, highlighting a focus on local identity and representation.

Acknowledgments and Contributions

Gratitude is expressed towards various individuals who participated in the discussion, including Nicolas Coucas and Madame Regade, showcasing appreciation for collaborative efforts.

Jean-Michel Gelabert is also acknowledged for his presence, indicating a collective approach to addressing community issues through dialogue.

Preparation and Future Engagement

Romain Cura is thanked for his role in organizing the debate, underscoring the effort involved in preparing such discussions.

An invitation is extended for a follow-up session scheduled for tomorrow at 18:00, featuring Philippe Broche as a candidate for municipal elections in Bagnol sur 16. This indicates ongoing engagement with local political matters.