This week we stop off in Frasnes-lez-Anvaing with mayor Carine De Saint-Martin.
We look back with her at this eventful term.
Carine, you have been mayor since 2018, how have you experienced this term?
This term was complicated, we went through various movements within our branch, which creates a lack of stability that is not easy to manage. Moreover, this term was marked by several successive crises: Covid-19 - never before had my predecessors managed such a situation - and then the war with the human and financial consequences we all know.
In politics since 2006, having climbed the ranks step by step: council member of the CPAS, municipal councillor, chairwoman of the CPAS and then mayor, never before had such serious world events impacted our municipality.
We know this term has been far from smooth, between external crises and… internal ones. Looking back, what do you think of your record?
I'm someone who takes a great deal of perspective, who can question herself and who doesn't hold grudges. To my mind, what matters most in a term is having done your best and having brought as much value as possible to the population.
If you had to pick one flagship achievement from your time as mayor, which one would it be?
There are many, but since you're asking me for just one, it will be securing the grant for building the Dergneau school, the permit procedure is currently underway.
For me, education, teaching and the range of activities available to our young people are part of Frasnes' future! Let's give our young people the desire to learn and to let off steam in quality facilities with outstanding staff.
You are fifth on the MR's regional list as a full candidate: is that a supporting role, or a wish to push local battles higher up the agenda?
I think it's absolutely essential to link the ground reality to decisions made in the regional, federal and European parliaments. What's happening on the ground is paramount. Several examples come to mind that deserve a different analysis: the farming profession must be protected and valued, the same goes for healthcare and education. Ground reality is paramount and we're drifting too far from it.
And to finish, the traditional tourism question: if our readers were to visit Frasnes-lez-Anvaing, what would you recommend they see?
Our region is beautiful in terms of landscapes. I would therefore invite walking enthusiasts onto our magnificent trails, with the ponds near the nature reserve as a central spot, which will undergo a major makeover in 2024 and 2025. For cycling enthusiasts, our area is crossed by the hills route with some magnificent viewpoints. In Frasnes-lez-Anvaing, you'll leave with your eyes full of scenery and with a memory of truly exceptional hospitality!