Michel Fournier (AMRF): « There is an urgent need to take care of rural areas »

How do you look at the National Rally (RN) score in rural areas?

Michel Fournier I am not at all surprised by the results of the RN in the legislative elections, since they are similar to those of Marine Le Pen in the presidential election. Two Frances are emerging: one lives in urban areas, vote Nupes; the other lives in rural areas, votes massively RN. However, common points connect them: a strong opposition to Emmanuel Macron and the rejection of a « system » to put it simply. The RN vote is also explained by various factors, such as the disappearance of public services, the difficulties in obtaining an appointment with a general practitioner, the increase in fuel prices, etc. It is absolutely necessary to provide answers to these daily problems.

You are asking for the creation of a ministry devoted to rurality. Why ?

Michel Fournier Because there is an urgent need to deal with rural areas which represent 33% of the national population and 88% of the territory. The government must meet the expectations of its 22 million inhabitants. This requires the establishment of a ministry dedicated to rurality, and the launch of a major plan to revitalize these territories whose specificities are not taken into account. Admittedly, there were advances under the previous government, with the creation of a post of secretary of state for rural affairs, but this disappeared under the Borne government. Rural issues, like those of other territories, are now absorbed into a large catch-all ministry, that of the Ecological Transition and Cohesion of the Territories of Amélie de Montchalin. Under Emmanuel Macron’s first term, the rural agenda developed with several associations of elected officials, including ours, made it possible to develop 181 measures for rural areas. This is a first step, but certain provisions are still not applied, particularly in the area of ​​health.

What are the expectations of rural dwellers?

Michel Fournier Better access to care, to mobility, to school, to all public services. In Voivres (Vosges), where I am mayor, but also in the small surrounding towns, we are fighting to prevent the closing of La Poste and Crédit Agricole. To consult a specialist doctor, you have to drive at least 1h30. Not to mention that general practitioners are rare. In short, it is absolutely necessary to change gear, to invest massively in these territories. The campaigns must not remain the great forgotten of public policies.