In Thuin, the new MR-Bleus de Thuin (MR) majority took office last December, with Rachel Sobry as mayor. Among the aldermen, Véronique Thomas, a secondary school teacher in Thuin and resident of Biercée, brings her long-standing field experience. She takes on a rich and concrete portfolio: citizenship, permanent housing plan, cemeteries, festivities and folklore, animal welfare and agriculture.
1. As a hands-on teacher and now the 3rd alderwoman in Thuin, how do you experience this transition between the classroom and the council chamber? What does your teaching experience bring you today in managing your portfolio?
It's a nice comparison… Teaching requires rigour, open-mindedness and, of course, pedagogy. These aspects are also important in political management, in order to best respond to citizens' requests and expectations. Explaining how local government works, the steps involved, how a decision comes about and all related aspects requires clear explanations, pedagogy and good communication. I've also kept a part-time teaching post; contact with young people is enriching and encourages self-reflection.
2. You are in charge of areas that cement local identity: folklore, festivities, citizenship. How do you intend to keep these traditions alive while adapting them to a society seeking unity and meaning?
Like many other municipalities, the Thuin area is rich in varied, history-laden folklore. It lives on thanks to the involvement of its participants, including the alderwoman herself (who was also once a member of a society 😊). It is above all a heritage to be preserved and passed on, but one that evolves alongside the society it is part of. Festivities and folklore are indeed an important bond, requiring citizen and community participation, respect for everyone and safety for all. The eight areas making up the Thuin territory each have their own character; through civic participation and folklore, people can get involved, become aware of their surroundings and respect them.
3. Agriculture is one of your responsibilities; how do you envisage supporting this sector?
There are many farmers in the Thudinie area, with more than 60 farms in crop or livestock production. Young farmers are not hesitating to take over from their elders. It is therefore very important to support them and highlight their activity. Farm shops enable a short supply chain economy, while others are modernising or expanding their farms. In a sector facing many difficulties, we must be aware of the asset it brings to a municipality.
4. If you had to imagine the ideal Thuin in 2030, what keywords would come to mind?
In October 2024, the town of Thuin underwent a major change of governance: a new majority came into being. Projects launched afterwards need to be carried through, but new challenges now lie ahead of us. With Rachel Sobry, the new mayor, and all MR elected representatives, our goals were quickly to listen, observe, communicate, practise sound management and guarantee a high-quality, clean living environment, above all to support all citizens. Thuin 2030 will be the result of this work.
Thuin and its villages have enormous potential; it is up to us to develop it and make it better known, particularly by boosting local economic, tourism and agricultural activity.