The former socialist minister, who came first in the first round of municipal elections in Lille (Nord) with almost 30% of the votes before the environmental list, had concerns until the last moment over the supply of masks.
Does the deconfinement plan, announced Thursday by Edouard Philippe, modify your policy in Lille?
MARTINE AUBRY. Very little. We are a little disappointed because the Hauts-de-France remain classified red while we hoped to go green. This means that college students will not be able to resume classes on May 18 and that we will not be able to reopen the parks and gardens. However, I asked for a waiver for the largest of them, the Citadel Park. We have also worked hard to prepare ourselves with the implementation of a health protocol, the reopening of shops on Monday, and that of nurseries and schools for May 14. On the other hand, I am worried about cafes and restaurants, which will open later.
What are the main difficulties on the ground?
Even before the confinement began, we contacted the seniors registered in the city's “heat wave plan” in order to accompany them by telephone contacts or by packed lunches. We followed in particular the six residences of our Ehpad. We also had to ensure the continuity of public services: garbage collection, civil status, emergency aid to families, municipal police, etc. In the end, we had no trouble finding agents to carry out these tasks. . And then, of course, there are the logistical challenges.
How was the supply of gel and masks?
We had no problems with the gel and the gloves. However, on the masks it was a concern until the last moment. Today I am rather reassured. Of the 750,000 masks ordered with the Region from French companies and in the European Union, 500,000 have been received or are on the way. Each Lille household will be able to find in their mailbox, next week, two reusable and washable masks.
And the tests?
The prefect and the Regional Health Agency (ARS), in association with the laboratories, the liberal medicine and the social security health brigades, organized themselves. They are ready to set up, from contaminated people, the information chain necessary to identify contact persons. They have 10,000 tests per day for this.
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From a health point of view, the situation is framed?
The situation today is under control. It is true that, as everywhere, there were delays, particularly in the delivery of materials. But it seems that this delay has been made up and that we can move towards deconfinement with more serenity than before.
You are a socialist. Have you taken measures for the most disadvantaged?
It is not a question of political color but of efficiency in the fight against the epidemic, of solidarity and above all of moral obligation. We have helped associations which take care of homeless people, because they did not have a mask and ran out of food. The city struggled and I called on private sponsorship myself, which responded. We have also set up emergency aid for families in difficulty and we distribute food baskets to those whose children can no longer benefit from meals at one euro or less in school canteens.
Are you seeing an increase in delinquency?
For the moment not at all. There was no urban violence. And I hope there won't be any. We do this by supporting young people and their families.
How do you work with state services?
We work hand in hand with the prefect, the ARS, the National Police, hospitals and the National Education. The latter made choices: not to reopen kindergartens, to set priority categories for elementary schools, the children of caregivers, working parents or dropouts. I agree with these decisions. I think everyone should be hard at work where they are. We are in the time of action and solutions. Not that of giving lessons.
Many leftist politicians criticize the management of the crisis by the executive. And you ?
There have been changes of foot, contradictions that have not made our work easier. We tried to adapt constantly. And above all to anticipate. But I know the complexity of the situation. For the deconfinement, we have prepared a mobility plan with the Metropolis: opening of an additional 15 kilometers of cycle paths, buses and metros running according to working hours, pedestrianization. The time is not to balance but to add our strengths, to stick together. The deputies and the senators fulfill their role when they question, criticize the government. They are not there to give him a blank check. Me, as mayor, I am, with my teams, feet in the clay, to best manage containment and now deconfinement with absolute priority health safety.
When do you think the second round of municipal elections should take place?
In the first round, for fear of the virus, there were only 32% of voters in Lille. If the second round took place as planned on June 21, it is not sure that health confidence is at the rendezvous. The Council of State underlined it, democracy imposes a reasonable time between the two rounds. The law of March 23, 2020 makes it clear. So I think it would be better to postpone the elections to September or October and therefore to repeat the two rounds.
