She wanted to put the church back in the center of the village. But, in the end, the declarations of the sub-prefect of the district of Clermont Noura Kihal-Flégeaupresent at community council of Pays du Clermontois, Thursday, December 12, were variously appreciated. Initially, it was about discussing subsidies for local authorities. More particularly those on which the representative of the State is in charge. And, also, on its priorities for allocating funds to projects.
Noura Kihal-Flégeau has already outlined these priorities: the renovation of buildings and the ecological transition. For the rest, we have to see. But on her own, the sub-prefect wishes to mention “the controversy” concerning previous comments on the renovation of churches. She thus looks back on her time on the Plateau Picard community council in November. The senior official then suggested that work on religious buildings would come later.
“No definitive denial”
“I’m not saying that it’s a definitive refusal,” tempers Noura Kihal-Flégeau after several minutes of debate with the elected officials of Clermontois. “I am simply saying that we must identify priorities based on the envelope allocated to me.”
The sub-prefect of the district insists: “I do not want to start a bell war. But we must recognize that there is little use for many of these churches.” For her, it’s “about being pragmatic. If I have to choose between a church that needs maintenance and a poorly insulated school where the children are cold, the choice will be quickly made.”
The elected officials of Clermontois divided
Among the elected officials present at this community council, some try to be understanding. “I recently spoke with those responsible for the clergy in the region,” explains Alain Randon, mayor of Etouy. “They themselves are not asking for major work. They prefer to prioritize four churches in the territory.
For his part, the president and mayor of Clermont Lionel Ollivier attempts a synthesis. “I understand the position of the sub-prefect, who must take into account the limits of allocated funds,” declares the elected official. “But if I have work to do on the church, I can’t raise taxes.”
“If the State does not respect its commitments…”
And among the other officials, the position of the state representative remains difficult to hear. “We cannot only look at this type of issue from a religious and ecological perspective,” says a community delegate. “The State has put religious buildings in charge of the municipalities. The State has made commitments. If he can’t respect them, you have to tell us.”
“It is not necessarily a good idea to postpone this work,” adds another delegate. He suggests that without maintenance, the cost can only increase over time.
After the meeting, a mayor was more vehement. “It’s typical of the formatted logic of the administration,” he comments bitterly. Another is more sarcastic: “Okay, I’m going to put the church on Le Bon Coin.” Chick…
