This Tuesday, September 8, the Fontain municipal council was held, synonymous with a political start in this village of just over 1,000 inhabitants. Between two debates on the agenda, the session was marked by the resignation of Vivien Desgrange, opposition municipal councilor, from his position as delegate in charge of the economy and relations with businesses. An act which reinforces a long episode of tension that began during the campaign for the municipal elections, won by Marc Girardot – to the detriment of Vivien Desgrange – by 30 votes. The unsuccessful candidate had notably filed a complaint following the distribution of “anonymous little papers”. As the investigation did not make it possible to formally identify the person who committed the offense, no prosecution will be initiated, but this reflects the heavy atmosphere of these elections.
Several episodes of tension
Once the new councilor is installed, the tumults do not stop. An elected opposition member finally joins the majority as a deputy and then the two camps cannot agree on the possibility of appointing electors from the opposition. Vivien Desgrange asked for two, “this reflected the close result of the election. The mayor proposed one, but I was finally told that it would not happen.”
In a spirit of openness, Marc Girardot nevertheless gave a delegation to his opponent, that of the economy and relations with businesses. A rare occurrence in politics where the defeated are generally content with a symbolic presence in committees. “It started from a good intention,” recognizes the elected opposition official.
But the experiment ended this Tuesday evening, after only a few months. “I have no file to deal with,” storms Vivien Desgrange who regrets being sidelined. “I am not invited to meetings, I propose actions but I have no response. I am given a delegation but I do not have the means to exercise it. » He therefore made the decision to return his delegation, “and the compensation that goes with it”.
If today there is no time for peace, the origin of these disagreements remains unclear. Does the opposition elected official pay for being a member of the Republicans, an unusual fact in a town of this size? “I never hid it, but I did not present an LR list, there were all sides. Marc Girardot is selling an apolitical list but it is not true. We are not on the same side. I have no problem with different sensitivities and disagreements, but today’s situation creates a climate of mistrust. »
The mayor wants to concentrate on his projects
By announcing that he was leaving his delegation, Vivien Desgrange received the support of senator candidate for his succession Jacques Grosperrin (LR): “You are right, don’t stay with sectarians and ideologues”.
The elected official, however, remains a municipal councilor, at the heart of a strong opposition of three members, and does not plan to slam the door. ” Never. I have a duty to the residents. »
As for Marc Girardot and his team, this is not the time for big speeches. The majority wishes to speak with one voice and announces having taken note of the resignation of the opposition leader while concentrating on work and carrying out “projects for the village. »
See you on October 13 for the next municipal council and the new episode of Fontain, your merciless universe.
