This is more bad news for local elected officials but the Association of Mayors of France promises to relay their expectations despite the imperatives of the health crisis.
“Since the war, the AMF had never known a cancellation,” notes Vice-President André Laignel on Monday, after a steering committee of more than two hours, to which nearly 150 elected officials were invited.
After the adjournment of the congress of the Assembly of departments of France announced last Monday, the mayors therefore took the same decision, considering that all the conditions were not met to calmly organize the 103rd congress of mayors and presidents of inter-municipal authorities from France, initially scheduled for November 24-26.
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Each year, this unmissable event in regional France is a highly anticipated political moment in which the state of relations between local authorities and the government is assessed.
In 2020, after three years of complicated relations with power, the subjects expected on the table were nevertheless numerous, from the growing insecurity weighing on elected officials to uncertain local finances, including the challenges of a real hoped-for decentralization.
"We had planned a national day of mayors where the Prime Minister was to be received on November 26, with thematic conferences by videoconference but ultimately, there will only be a formal conference that day", explains Philippe Laurent, the general secretary.
The UDI mayor of Sceaux remembers that in 2015, the congress was jostled following the Bataclan attacks but the mayors had all the same, met at the Palais des Congrès.
More than 1000 participants were then present.
This year, the AMF will try to mark the occasion with a major press conference and several speeches.
"The congress was an element of channeling speech and discontent and if it is canceled, some mayors might be tempted to say things in their own way, such as those who have just signed municipal bylaws to support local commerce", considers Philippe Laurent.
A renewal of the possible instances in 2021
A little disappointed, the elected official nevertheless plans to find opportunities to express the expectations of the mayors, in particular their desire to be considered as "partners" of the State.
Each year, the congress round tables also promote constructive exchanges between elected officials and ministers.
Finally, if the very “regal” congress of 2020 is canceled, the mayor of Troyes François Baroin will remain president of the AMF at least until next year.
In 2021, the instances may be renewed.
And behind the scenes, some potential candidates are already thinking about it.
