This week we head to the province of Luxembourg to meet the mayor of Libramont-Chevigny, Laurence Crucifix.
The woman who will hold the second seat on the MR list for the Chamber talks about her role as mayor.
Laurence, you are mayor of Belgium's fifth-largest municipality, what does that involve?
My priority is to develop closeness with residents. I encourage dialogue and citizen participation. Managing a community where “everyone knows each other” requires an empathetic approach while ensuring efficient and transparent management. Versatility is essential: from water management to the coordination of public services, as well as economic development. With the population boom, it's crucial to anticipate and respond to new needs and realities in terms of infrastructure and town planning.
How do you experience the role of mayor? Has it changed over the years?
I experience the role with a mix of pride and reflection. I've seen this responsibility evolve. Initially, it was a challenge. I've gained valuable experience. What matters most is staying connected with residents. I enjoy listening, refining projects and then moving forward with determination for the common good.
If you had to pick one flagship project from your term as mayor, which would it be?
Our success lies in the completion of a whole set of initiatives. We carried each project through while staying true to our approach. We preserved our cohesion from start to finish, for the benefit of the residents of Libramont-Chevigny. That is my greatest pride as mayor.
You are getting involved in the legislative elections, behind Benoit Piedboeuf. How are you approaching this challenge?
My participation in the legislative elections is a stimulating challenge. My experience as mayor makes it easier to identify our country's needs and propose suitable solutions. My commitment to our community gives me a great sense of purpose.
Libramont is known for its agricultural fair, but what else would you recommend visiting if we came to your municipality?
My municipality is brimming with treasures to discover. I recommend visiting the Museum of the Celts. It offers a journey into the past with a particularly modern presentation. Nature (and snow) lovers enjoy a walk through the heart of our forests. They are dotted with unspoilt landscapes. Sports enthusiasts relish our miles of countryside roads. The year is punctuated by a multitude of cultural events… The secret: living there!