Fabien Roussel, the newly appointed mayor of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, made history on January 30, 2025, when he was elected during an extraordinary council meeting, succeeding Alain Bocquet, who has been leading the town since 1995. Roussel’s election by 25 votes out of 27 signifies not just his rise within the local Communist Party, but also marks the continuation of the party’s stronghold on the municipality.
Bocquet, 78, announced his resignation earlier this month, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his departure. "The weight of the years is beginning to be felt and obliges me to take care of my health," Bocquet stated on January 17, when he made his resignation public through Facebook. Despite stepping down, he will remain on the council until his term ends in 2026.
The election took place at the Jean Ferrat space, which was filled with attendees eager to witness this milestone. Roussel's election as the only candidate was largely anticipated, having previously served as Bocquet's deputy and holding the secretary-general position of the French Communist Party (PCF). "This mandate is the most beautiful of mandates, the one of local elected official," Roussel remarked excitedly following his election. His sentiment reflects decades of commitment to the community, alongside Bocquet’s legacy.
Roussel expressed deep appreciation for Bocquet’s decades of service, saying, "Allow me to thank Alain Bocquet for his exceptional, determined, and totally devoted engagement for our beautiful town over these thirty years." His gratitude highlights the respected relationship between the two leaders, with Roussel describing Bocquet as his mentor.
While the majority welcomed Roussel's leadership, not all political figures shared the same enthusiasm. Éric Renaud, former deputy mayor and now opposition leader, labeled the appointment as "a pseudo-election" and criticized the process as lacking legitimacy. Renaud’s comments echo the sentiments of some residents who feel disenfranchised by the perceived lack of choice. He called for the annulment of the council meeting and advocated for early elections, stating, "It’s unacceptable to impose on us a candidate who was rejected by 65% of the Amandinois." This dissent encapsulates the tension underlying the transition.
Roussel, responding to questions of legitimacy surrounding his election, stated firmly, "I have always said to the Amandinois who questioned me, if I had to choose between being a deputy or a local elected official, I would always choose the mayoral mandate." His commitment to local governance remains steadfast, reflecting his belief in the importance of community engagement.
Reflecting on the community’s needs, Roussel articulated his aspirations for Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. He underscored the importance of maintaining programs for families and enhancing access to public services, which he considers integral to the quality of life within the town. "It is good to live in Saint-Amand for families, children, and retirees because access to quality public services is key," he articulated during his acceptance speech. His vision aligns with the longstanding traditions of the Communist Party, which emphasizes community support and welfare.
Looking back, Alain Bocquet acknowledged his three decades of service and the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, including significant urban development projects. During his farewell address, he reflected on the improvements made under his administration, emphasizing the necessity for incoming leadership to continue fostering progress. Bocquet's departure marks the end of an era for Saint-Amand, and, as he stated, he hopes to remain involved, saying, "I will lift my hand to ask questions to see if there are answers!" This ensures he remains engaged without overshadowing his successor.
Critically, Roussel will need to navigate the political waters carefully, especially with murmurs of dissent from figures like Renaud and challenges from the newly strengthened right-wing opposition. Formerly solid Communist gains have been contested recently, as Roussel learned firsthand during his defeat to the National Rally’s Guillaume Florquin, who previously won the legislative seat against him.
Encapsulating both challenges and hopes, Roussel remarked, "The challenge for any municipality today is to organize communal living together, which is not easy amid individualism and violence." His perspective reflects the broader societal dynamics at play, as local governance encompasses not only administrative duties but also social cohesion efforts.
With the next municipal elections on the horizon for March 2026, Roussel’s immediate task will be establishing his authority and addressing the diverse expectations of the community members. His success will depend on his ability to unite constituents and build trust, as well as his strategic management of the criticism stemming from the election process. The transition of power signals not just changes in leadership but also sets the stage for the future political climate within Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.
Roussel remains committed to melding his vision with communal needs, promising dialogue and respect as core strategies moving forward. He stated, "We will do everything to live up to this responsibility and continue the development path for Saint-Amand, embodying the values of fraternity, equality, and shared living."