The Future of Nîmes: Security in Pissevin, Olympic Nîmes, and Galeries Lafayette at the Coupole – Interview with Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier

Objectif Gard: A new police operation took place this Monday in Pissevin. What is your view on the action of the State in this district?

Jean-Paul Fournier: I can only approve. There were around twenty arrests. The 250 police officers mobilized also seized quite a few drugs. There was a dire need for an increased police presence in this area. It reassures people. Today it seems like it’s a little calmer. We can just hope it lasts.

In August, you left the prefecture quite angry after your interview with the Minister of the Interior. Have you changed your mind today?

I rather think I was right. This allowed the Government to move a little. We are working with state services on opening a police station in Pissevin. It should be done next spring. There is €380,000 worth of work that we are going to share between the State and the City.

The Valdegour police station should close to allow the opening of the Pissevin police station. Isn’t this ultimately undressing Paul to dress Peter?

First… But in this police station, there will be two entities: national and municipal police officers. That’s new. It is important that there is a police station in Pissevin.

A word on the situation of Olympic Nîmes. The president, Rani Assaf, told Objectif Gard that he would no longer put another euro into the club. The risk of filing for bankruptcy is real. What do you think ?

It’s a bluff! I don’t believe this story! If he wants to sell the club, let him do it. We are forced to wait.

Can the Right to Business let Nîmes Olympique file for bankruptcy?

If we have to leave with a new club, that doesn’t scare us. My first deputy, Julien Plantier, did what he could in this matter. I heard that Rani Assaf wanted to take criminal action against him because of the letter he wrote to the CDAC (National Commercial Development Commission)… There is nothing reprehensible inside . I also learned that the president of Nîmes métropole, Franck Proust, met Rani Assaf. Very good, it’s a good initiative.

Is an agreement with Rani Assaf still possible?

My door is always open for Rani Assaf. He’s the one who doesn’t want to talk.

Are you definitely ready to abandon the idea of ​​the new stadium that the president of the club is promoting?

We asked Rani Assaf to make adjustments to the commercial space of her project. Nothing was done… I really regret it. I think it was a good project but it had to be done. Today, the city has launched studies with external service providers to evaluate several hypotheses for renovating the Costières stadium. We will see how the club could play on it again… We will have the results in September.

It’s almost the holidays and the people of Nîmes are going to do their shopping… Where are you in the discussions with Socri for the arrival of Galeries Lafayette? Is the city of Nîmes ready to carry out all the work requested by the company to beautify the surroundings of the Cupola?

I have to meet them at the end of the week to take stock of the Coupole. We should carry out certain works such as the pedestrianization of Rue des Halles and Rue Guizot. We are studying the possibility of renovating that of Général Perrier. Only renovate, otherwise we would have to review the entire traffic plan, it’s impossible. Between what Socri wants and what we are going to do… There will be a difference. We are not going to accept everything for Galeries Lafayette!

Let’s talk about Nîmes metropolis… The transport market is relaunched. What do you expect from the new delegate?

Firstly, continuity of the public service and perhaps an additional line for the Uzès road. You know, we don’t have very negative feedback from the town hall since it is a competence of the Agglomeration. However, I have noticed that residents are increasingly asking us for free services, as was done in Montpellier. It was also one of our campaign commitments for those over 70.

Concerning waste, some residents and employees expressed their dissatisfaction following the somewhat laborious beginnings of the reorganization of collection. What do you think ?

Ah, that’s a mess (smile). There are people who haven’t gotten used to it yet. When you change habits, you have to expect criticism and some failures. But this new mode of operation is not bad: there are places where trucks passed every day even though there was no real need and others where they did not pass enough.

The market for the organization of bullfighting shows in arenas will be relaunched. Did Simon Casas do the job, in your opinion?

Yes. We are satisfied. Afterwards what’s a shame is that I don’t see much… Simon Casas could call me to keep me informed of what he wants to do.

The market for the management of Roman monuments must also be revived. What is your opinion on the management of Edeis? Can Culturespaces get back into the race?

Edeis manages rather well with an increase in visits noted. We will see what Culturespaces will offer. Competition is good.

We end by talking about your family: The Republicans. Richard Tibérino is the only candidate to president of the LR federation. Are you happy that he succeeds the Alésien Christophe Rivenq?

When Mr. Tibérino told me he wanted to go, I told him ‘go ahead’! I have no relationship with Mr. Rivenq… But he should have introduced himself! In any case, Richard Tibérino’s management can only be better. Tell me: what is Mr. Rivenq’s record at the head of the federation? Not to mention that it is Macron-compatible…. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

Julien Plantier, your first deputy, is no longer an LR member. Does it bother you ?

He hasn’t paid his dues, in fact. He therefore cannot vote. However, he told me that he was going to regularize his situation. I am waiting to see. We had lunch together last Friday. Everything went well. He didn’t tell me about his association. Today he is doing a good job. It’s true that he should do a little more…