At 24, Héloïse Renard became one of the youngest CPAS chairs in Belgium. She holds this role in Tournai, where the MR recently ended more than 30 years of socialist governance. Committed, dynamic and locally rooted, she embodies a new generation of political leaders.
Héloïse, after a first campaign as a candidate in the federal elections followed by the local elections, you became chair of the CPAS of Tournai. What motivated you to get involved with the MR, and what has your journey been like so far?
I've been immersed in politics since I was very young. I grew up around council meetings and in-depth discussions. I often accompanied my mother when she was an alderwoman and later mayor of her municipality. Those moments began shaping my political awareness. From an early age, I would follow debates on television and take an interest in the ideas discussed by each party. I then began studying law and notarial practice, which I finished last year. At the same time, I got involved in my local branch. Joining the MR made sense to me. The party's values, particularly responsibility, work and freedom, have always resonated with me.
When Georges-Louis Bouchez suggested I stand in the federal elections, I didn't hesitate for a second. Everything then moved quickly with the local elections. Local engagement is where action takes on its full meaning: being on the ground where politics is closest to the citizen.
When you learned that you would become chair of the CPAS of Tournai, after 48 years of socialist governance, what was your reaction and what priorities did you set first, particularly regarding getting people back into work?
Becoming chair of the CPAS and a member of the municipal executive at 24, I really didn't expect that. It was a genuine surprise. I accepted this responsibility with great humility, but also with a genuine determination to take on this human and political challenge after 48 years of socialist management. I love challenges, and that's how I see my mandate! Through my meetings with beneficiaries as well as with staff on the ground, I have gained more and more knowledge to carry out my mission with determination and professionalism.
The CPAS has been in a difficult financial situation for several years. My priority was clear from the start: getting people back into work, the well-being of beneficiaries and staff, and rigorous resource management. This includes making better use of our property and agricultural assets. These priorities are also set out in the Social Policy Declaration and the Strategic Cross-cutting Programme. The Centre works closely with the City to avoid duplication and achieve as many economies of scale as possible.
Social and professional reintegration is at the heart of my action. It concerns both current beneficiaries and future applicants for assistance under the unemployment benefit reform. It is a necessary and fair measure that will require a genuine reorganisation of services, but one that will allow our society to restore a socio-professional balance.
Now that the MR is at the helm after decades of socialist governance, what are the major projects the new majority intends to implement to transform the city and improve daily life for the people of Tournai?
Beyond my duties at the CPAS, I'm committed to making the city more attractive, safer and more dynamic. This means constant attention to citizens' well-being, maintaining the historical heritage, and standing up for the self-employed and shopkeepers who bring our neighbourhoods and town centre to life. I also place great importance on quality of life and social cohesion, as these are the foundations of a strong community.
Tournai is a city with an exceptional heritage. In your view, what are the must-see places or activities for someone visiting the city?
Tournai is a beautiful city, rich in history and landscapes. I'm very attached to it. The cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Belfry are all treasures to be showcased in the town centre. And out in the villages, Mont-Saint-Aubert embodies for me that precious link between town and countryside. These are places where you can breathe, where people come together, and which we must carefully maintain to preserve them.