2024-01-19 19:00:00
Paul Magnette, we are entering the last year of your second term as mayor in Charleroi. Where is the improvement in security, which was one of the citizens’ major expectations?
“Our work focused on two axes: firstly that of road insecurity which appeared to be the number 1 problem. I think that we can objectively say that things have improved: we have taken measures to reduce speeds, securing weak users, such as the creation of chicanes, the widening of sidewalks or the reduction of clearances. The other axis is that of insecurity linked to drugs. It is an urban phenomenon to which no city no escape, it remains very complicated. It was decided to attack the problem from both ends, either by dismantling the networks, an objective of the national drug plan with the federal prosecutor’s office and by combating street dealing. I know that We never do enough, but we are doing our part. There is an indisputable improvement in the campus area. The objective is to extend the hours, especially at night, of our “Disruption” police force. in the city center. The principle is established, it will be implemented…”
What about the reform of the KUL standard of the police zone which we have been talking about for more than 20 years? The PS nevertheless participates in power within Vivaldi…
“This was in fact one of the points of agreement between our government. We did not have time to make it a reality but we did not give up on it. Now, we should not expect miracles: On the scale of our policy, this would result in a refinancing of almost 5 million, which is both a little and a lot!”
You also supported a project for a less risky drug consumption bus. It’s for when ?
“We have all the green lights to move forward, the service provider has been appointed, but the lead times for equipping this bus are longer than we thought. I would like to remind you that this is a pilot experiment in Europe . We won’t be ready before 2025.”
Cleanliness can still be improved. It’s a fail ?
“No. We cannot deny that the streets are cleaner thanks to the work of our partner Tibi. We must now strengthen repression, this is underway. Between January and September, 2000 sanction files were opened by our agents observers and those of Tibi, this represents an average of ten per day! The previous year, we were almost zero. As for the surveillance cameras, this time, and I am committed to it, they will come into action very soon , it’s just a matter of time.”
And mobility?
“With my colleague Xavier Desgain who is doing an excellent job, we are working to give greater space to pedestrians, bicycles, public transport, micromobility and shared vehicles. Without excluding the individual car, I insist. D “Significant investments have been made in this direction. We want to increase the schedule of buses and the metro in the evening, improve the TEC offer. An in-depth transformation has begun within the mobility plan project. On the Bus à Haut Level of Service, the BRT, we are behind schedule. I hope that the work towards Bomerée can begin next year. That said, when I see the chaos with the Liège tram, I think that it is sometimes better take a year or two more time to think about your project.”
The R9 at 50 km/h, buses and metros until 1 a.m., everyone by bike: what you need to know about the Charleroi Métropole Mobility Plan
The opening of the new “grand palace” was an important part of the renovation of the upper town. Do we have any idea when it will open its doors?
“We are completing the surroundings of the site, the operating concession is currently the subject of negotiations with private operators. Everything will be ready for the second half of this year.”
Let us project ourselves into political time. You have expressed your ambition to become Prime Minister if the PS remains the majority family at the federal level. Who could take over from you in Charleroi?
“It is too early to talk about it. Besides, the PS municipal list will only be composed after the federal, regional and European elections on June 9.”
Which majority do you prefer to govern the City?
“Our ambition is to renew our absolute majority. As for the privileged partners, they are progressive. I believe that we have moved forward with Ecolo and C+, tomorrow the Committed. The voters will express themselves on this. I also remind you that the PTB self-excluded. I will retire in 2037 or 2038. I don’t see them coming to power between now and then, we shouldn’t make fun of people.”
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