This week, the Mouvement Réformateur turns its attention to Welkenraedt, a municipality in the Pays de Herve built around the sections of Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle, where rural life, mobility, local services and community life intersect daily. At the helm since 2012, Mayor Jean-Luc Nix has just seen his mandate renewed following the October 2024 local elections, securing an absolute majority with a list open to civic profiles, and embarking on a new term marked by heavy investment in energy renovation, sports infrastructure, soft mobility and quality services for residents.
- Jean-Luc, you have just begun a third term at the head of Welkenraedt, after the 2024 local elections confirmed you as the clear favourite for preference votes and gave you an absolute majority, while also prompting you to work with an open coalition. How do you read this result, what political meaning do you see in it in terms of trust, responsibility and governing style, and how do you intend to organise this new term to stay focused on local closeness, safety and the renovation of municipal buildings, which fall directly under your responsibilities?
The result of the 2024 elections is above all a tremendous vote of confidence. Once again being the candidate who receives the most preference votes is a great satisfaction, but above all it is a responsibility.
The citizens have confirmed that they support the project we have been carrying forward for several years and that they want to see it continue.
My political career also explains this trust. I joined the municipal college in 2001 as alderman for public works and urban planning, at a time when the municipality was run by a socialist majority that had been in power for over 50 years. After two terms as alderman, in 2012 we chose to build a new majority without the socialists. At the time, this was a real political earthquake, but the change brought a new dynamic, based on rigorous management, closeness to citizens and a clear vision for the municipality's development.
Today I am beginning a third term as mayor, with a renewed, competent, young and dynamic team.
This third term continues the priorities we have set for ourselves: staying close to citizens, guaranteeing their safety, continuing the modernisation and renovation of our municipal buildings, and investing in sustainable, quality infrastructure. These are concrete projects that directly improve residents' daily lives.
But this term is also one of transition. I believe that a political leader must not only manage the present. They must also prepare for the future. For me, it is essential to ensure succession. I am not one of those who cling to their position. My role is also to pass on my experience, to help grow a new generation of elected representatives and to give them the means to continue the work undertaken.
My wish is that this team will continue to sustainably carry forward the project we have built and preserve the trust that citizens place in us. When the time comes, I will always be available to share my experience, offer advice and a vision if asked, but I am convinced that the future belongs to this new generation that we have taken to heart to prepare.
- In recent months, the municipality has launched a series of major projects: energy renovation of the schools in Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle, modernisation of sports centres, creation of a tumbling track and padel courts, as well as road works under the PIC and PIMACI programmes, not to mention the upcoming opening of a new medical centre in 2026. Can you detail the priorities of this term in terms of infrastructure and mobility, whether sports halls, schools, roads or neighbourhood facilities?
Our priority is to invest in useful, sustainable infrastructure that meets the concrete needs of citizens. The various ongoing projects fit into this vision.
The heatwaves we have experienced in recent summers remind us that energy renovation has become a necessity. It is no longer just about better heating our buildings in winter, but also about making them more comfortable in summer. That is why we continue investing to improve the energy envelope of our schools, our administrative buildings and, more broadly, all municipal assets. It is a choice that is both environmental, economic and responsible.
Sport is also a priority. A dynamic municipality must offer quality infrastructure for all generations and all disciplines. The modernisation of the sports centre and the creation of a tumbling track illustrate this commitment. With the support of the Walloon Government, we will continue developing modern facilities that allow our clubs, our young people and all residents to practise their activities under the best conditions.
Mobility and road conditions also remain at the heart of our action. Thanks to the PIC and PIMACI programme, we will continue renovating our roads, pavements, networks, drainage and layouts aimed at improving safety for all users, whether drivers, cyclists or pedestrians. Our goal is to provide a safe, high-performing road network suited to tomorrow's challenges.
Finally, we will continue to strengthen local services. The opening of a medical centre is an important step forward for access to healthcare. Meanwhile, we will continue investing in neighbourhood facilities to keep the municipality attractive, friendly and pleasant to live in.
Our guiding principle remains simple: to invest thoughtfully in projects that sustainably improve residents' quality of life, while preparing the future of Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle.
- Welkenraedt also stands out for its particularly active local life: a library and youth centre, a gourmet walk, a group purchase of native hedges, a participatory budget, soft mobility initiatives with the structuring of an Avello group, cultural and sports events. In this context, how do you want to evolve the municipality's role as a partner of associations, schools and citizens, which tools for participation and co-construction do you intend to strengthen (participatory budgets, project calls, local consultation), and how does this civic dynamic connect with the major projects you are leading for the future of Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle?
Beyond the investments, I am convinced that Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle today offer a remarkable level of service. Whether it comes to sports infrastructure, childcare, the library, the Cultural Centre or many other services, our municipality meets the expectations of its residents and also attracts citizens from neighbouring municipalities. This is an asset we intend to preserve.
Beyond the investments, I am convinced that Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle today offer a remarkable level of service. Whether it comes to sports infrastructure, childcare, the library, the Cultural Centre or many other services, our municipality meets the expectations of its residents and also attracts citizens from neighbouring municipalities. This is an asset we intend to preserve.
In an increasingly tight budgetary context, our commitment is clear: to continue offering a maximum of quality services without increasing the tax burden. This requires rigorous management of municipal finances, a constant search for subsidies and carefully considered investments.
Finally, we want to involve citizens more in decisions concerning their living environment. This is the whole point of appointing an alderman responsible for citizen participation. Through the participatory budget, but also through prior consultation on certain development or mobility projects, we want to strengthen dialogue with residents. The best decisions are often those built together with citizens rather than simply made for them.
Our ambition is simple: to continue making Welkenraedt and Henri-Chapelle a municipality that is a great place to live, with modern infrastructure, quality public services, safer mobility and responsible management of public data.