Everyone chooses their side. More or less, the Plateau Picard community council unanimously voted for a motion opposing the establishment of a home for isolated minors in Maignelay-MontignyThursday December 19. For his part, the departmental councilor of the canton concerned, Patrice Fontaine, was unable to attend this meeting. But he wanted to dot the i’s. Unsurprisingly, he speaks out against this project, although it seems that it is well advanced.
“Maignelay-Montigny does not have the means of transport or a training center for these people,” explains the man who also serves as mayor of Le Frestoy-Vaux. “This will pose a real integration problem.”
Against, but completely independently
However, the chosen one displays his difference. Firstly, he wants to distance himself from the collective which launched the mobilization against the home. “In particular with one of its leaders, a member of Reconquête, I do not want to be associated,” insists Patrice Fontaine.
The person concerned is also very critical of Denis Flour, the mayor of Maignelay-Montigny. Although a declared opponent of the operation, “He knew about it much earlier than he says,” says Patrice Fontaine. “He learned of it on June 12, during a meeting.” And to show “his support” for the opposition within the Maignelay municipal council.
“The State relies on the departments”
Patrice Fontaine continues: “Denis Flour is also confused with the situation of housing to be repaired in his commune. As administrator of SAHLM, I can assure you that everything will happen in its time. You just have to be patient”
Another target for the mayor of Frestoy-Vaux: the State. “We must not forget that it is the State which ensures migration policy,” he continues. “In this case, he is shifting his responsibilities to the department.”
“20 million euros invested in unaccompanied minors”
Member of the departmental assembly, Patice Fontaine is more understanding towards it. “The departmental council takes care of 550 unaccompanied minors,” he says. “He invests 20 million euros every year.”
However, due to a lack of suitable structures, the council sometimes has to house these minors in hotels. Which, in theory, remains illegal. So, the ten homes that have been vacant for several years on rue François-Mitterrand may already suddenly have an interest in the eyes of the project initiators.
“But not to accommodate 50,” insists Patrice Fontaine. “I remain convinced that if we all work together, we can prevent this home from opening.”
