A wind of change is blowing over Dijon: François Rebsamen, emblematic figure of the city, announced his resignation from his functions as Mayor, before the end of his mandate. This is news which, although expected, provokes multiple reactions and opens a period of questions regarding the political future of the city of the Dukes.
Laurent Bourguignat, municipal councilor of Dijon and councilor of Dijon Métropole, spoke about this decision, welcoming the career and commitment of François Rebsamen. “ I salute in a republican way the man and his commitment“, he declared, recognizing the years of dedication of the outgoing Mayor. However, this departure is not without its share of controversies.
Behind the official announcement lies the feeling of a carefully orchestrated succession. Indeed, François Rebsamen’s first deputy seems to have benefited from special prerogatives, thus preparing the ground for possible continuity at the head of the municipality. For Laurent Bourguignat, the “ malaise » comes from this impression of political staging: “ The uneasiness comes rather from the impression of a coup plotted for a long time, to prepare for the elections and, in some way, to force the hand of the Dijon people.. »
The question that arises is simple: in a Republic, who should choose the representatives of the people? Laurent Bourguignat recalls, quoting General de Gaulle, that “ we are not Antonines (Roman emperors); we are in the Republic; we do not choose our successors“. For him, it is not up to the outgoing Mayor to designate who will take his place, but to the citizens of Dijon to decide through a free and transparent ballot.
After an interim period of sixteen months, the people of Dijon will be invited to express themselves during the municipal elections of March 2026. “ They will do so free and sovereign, during a healthy democratic confrontation, between responsible elected officials.“, insists Laurent Bourguignat, who is preparing to participate fully in this “great debate” that the city deserves.
With the resignation of François Rebsamen, a page is turning in Dijon. But, for Laurent Bourguignat, the future belongs above all to the citizens, the only legitimate ones to choose the face of their next municipal team. Dijon, strong in its history and its vitality, is preparing to write a new chapter while respecting the democratic principles to which it is attached.
Press release of November 19, 2024:
“In the Republic, we do not choose our successors”
François Rebsamen has announced that he will leave his position as Mayor of Dijon before the end of the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Dijon.
I salute the man and his commitment in a republican way.
His decision is not a surprise. The 1st deputy benefited from exorbitant prerogatives and valuation.
The uneasiness comes rather from the impression of a coup plotted for a long time, to prepare for the elections and, in some way, to force the hand of the Dijon people.
Or, in democracy, it is the people who choose their representatives.
As General de Gaulle declared: We are not Antonines (Roman emperors); we are in the Republic; we do not choose our successors.
Thus, after the 16-month interim period which begins, it will therefore be up to the people of Dijon to choose the Mayor of Dijon during the municipal elections of March 2026.
They will do so free and sovereign, during a healthy democratic confrontation, between responsible elected officials. Dijon deserves this great debate. I will take my full part in it.
Laurent BOURGUIGNAT
Municipal councilor of Dijon (LR, New Energy)
Councilor of Dijon Métropole
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I’d like to welcome you to our site. We are here to discuss the resignation of François Rebsamen, the Mayor of Dijon, and its impact on the political future of the city. Joining us today are two esteemed guests: Laurent Bourguignat, municipal councilor of Dijon and councilor of Dijon Métropole, and another expert in the field whose name will be released soon.
Laurent, you have expressed your thoughts on François Rebsamen’s resignation and the feeling of political staging in Dijon. Can you expand on that? How do you see the relationship between Mayor Rebsamen and his potential successor?
Laurent Bourguignat: Yes, of course. I think that the relationship between François Rebsamen and his potential successor, who is currently serving as his deputy, has been a source of controversy. There’s an impression that the succession has been carefully orchestrated for some time now, almost like a ‘coup d’état’. This has generated unease among some people in Dijon who feel that the decision to appoint the new Mayor might be predetermined rather than left up to the citizens to choose in a free and transparent election. It’s important to remember that in a democratic society, it’s the people who should have the final say in who represents them, and not the outgoing Mayor or any other individual.
Following up on that, how do you assess the overall political climate in Dijon following this unexpected announcement? Are there any concerns or expectations from the citizens regarding the follow-up?
Laurent Bourguignat: Well, as I mentioned earlier, there’s a sense of unease and mistrust among some people in Dijon. There are fears that the decision to appoint a new Mayor might be influenced by behind-the-scenes deals or political maneuvering rather than the will of the people. However, I believe that this is a normal reactions in any democracy when powerful figures like the Mayor resign or are replaced. The important thing is to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the citizens are fully involved in the process. There is a lot of history and vitality to be preserved in Dijon, so it will be crucial to have a healthy
