In this interview, Anthony Smets D'Alelio, newly elected municipal councillor, looks back on his journey and his commitment within the MR of Colfontaine. As group leader and section president, he discusses his battles in the council, particularly for greater transparency, and his way of making his voice heard from the opposition benches.
You are now a municipal councillor, group leader and MR president in Colfontaine, but how did your political involvement begin? What made you want to get involved?
I was fascinated by political figures like N. Sarkozy, Édouard Philippe, Dominique de Villepin, but it really started after a meeting with Georges-Louis in his office, where I had an appointment about something else entirely. Before I left, he said to me: “Are you interested in politics?” Seeing his desire to do politics differently, more transparently, with less fuss and more verticality… In my job in the private sector, without verticality, nothing moves forward. I'm a man of action too; I like to decide quickly and move forward pragmatically. Seeing that this isn't really the “norm” in the public sector, rather than complain, I told myself: “Just go for it.”
Sometimes my manner can seem blunt, but we all need to make the most of our time to be efficient. You need to know when to take a breather, but only once the job is done. And ideally, when you do something, it's best if it can be useful, if it brings added value: otherwise, why do it?
Whether at work or with my colleagues within the MR Colfontaine political bureau, our compass is the added value we can bring to an action or to society. Without that, we risk going round in circles.
You recently spoke out forcefully about the transparency of council meetings in Colfontaine. What exactly happened, and what do you take away from this experience as an opposition member?
The problem in our municipality is that the majority applies its rules of order selectively. If there are rules, they're meant to be applied, otherwise what's the point?! There's too much of this desire to dominate. I can't stand injustice. I knew there was a loophole by filming myself with a selfie, which, strategically, could reopen the debate. So I decided to film myself. Following the minister's clarification regarding the publicity of debates, we saw that members of the public could film, whereas the council chairman had banned this until then. Valentin Dufrasne and Maximilien Quentin, young MR members from our section (and non-elected citizens), took it upon themselves to film and create a channel. Since Young MR is a youth organisation and not a political one, I saw no problem in taking action.
It's a victory for our democracy and our citizens. Shields are being raised, but nothing will stop us. What I take from this is that you have to go all the way. The first one to drop their guard has “lost”.
Despite your position in the opposition, you're very visible, whether in the local press or on social media. How do you manage to remain politically relevant in this context, and what advice would you give to other elected representatives or young activists?
The fact that the majority refuses many interviews makes it easier. But yes, it's true, I get good coverage. Which automatically puts the section in the spotlight. That's what I often hear. I'm not looking to make headlines. I have good topics, and the journalists give that back to me. A trust has built up. In opposition, we don't have many means to change things since we don't have the power. So we need to exist differently. In that regard, I want us to set the pace.
Presence matters. In the press as well as on the ground. You have to make an impression.
You quickly took on several responsibilities within the local MR. How do you experience this role as group leader and section president? What are your priorities going forward?
I took on my responsibilities with one aim: to leave my mark as leader of this group. I also wanted to surround myself with people who wanted to reinvigorate the section alongside me, people who aren't afraid to take action, and that came very easily. Alone, you're nothing; it's the complementary nature of our skills that will ensure success. That's also why everyone has a specific role to play in our bureau.
My priorities are to keep our section's heart beating for our members, but also for citizens who might want to join us. By 2029, we need to reach between 23 and 25% (we're currently at 18.1%, a progression of +7.7%).
By early July, we'll already be at our 3rd bureau meeting. We're working on a thorough overhaul of MR Colfontaine.
If you had to highlight a strength, a challenge or a favourite thing about Colfontaine, what would it be?
The PAGNON & El Puchlet' dè Wasmes! (in Borain dialect)
Colfontaine means joie de vivre, but also an unparalleled folklore. The Whitsun festivities have just begun (from 5 to 12 June): the fair, the Tour de Wasmes, the procession and parade of the Pucelette, and more. It's a truly important moment of sharing for us.
Keeping this folklore alive over time means respecting our traditions.
The PAGNON (a little nod to our artisan bakery) is a sweet tart that miners used to carry as an energy snack. It remains a staple on Borinage tables.
Happy dell'Pint'coute to all! (in Borain dialect)
Don't hesitate to come and meet us, the festivities are truly worth the trip. You can find the full programme on our Facebook page.