"Ensuring respect for the village at all levels": interview with Laurence Azzéna, candidate for mayor of Saint-Tropez

The next logical step? After more than thirty years of political commitment at the national and international levels, Laurence Azzéna is deliberately embarking on the adventure of the Municipal elections.

"My candidacy is that of an independent woman and a Tropézienne whose family history is rooted for generations," she asserts.

A graduate of the Aix-en-Provence Institute of Political Studies and a postgraduate in public communications at Celsa Paris, this former activist has participated in the campaigns of numerous politicians, from Jean-Michel Couve for the legislative elections to François Fillon's 2017 presidential election.

After a term as an opposition councillor - first on Frédéric Blua's list - then as an independent for two years, the fifty-year-old is starting a new cycle.

How did you come to the decision to introduce yourself?

I want to carry out a serious project with my values ​​and ideas. After six years in opposition, I have learned a lot. I believe I am legitimate this time, especially since to date, no outgoing opposition candidate has run.

Have you ever received any support from them?

Yes, some. We speak every day, and I'd like to showcase the work we've done during this term. It's important to listen to their recommendations.

And in the ranks of the majority?

That could be done too. The most important thing is to agree on the future vision of Saint-Tropez. From that point on, everyone can join me. Often, we tend to talk about people before the substance. I want to fight against that.

For several decades you were part of the Republican family, will you run under this label?

No, I don't have any cards anymore. I just have many contacts in the industry. Today, I'm free and I want to maintain that independence.

Did you get closer to Mr. Zemmour in 2022?

Not really. For the legislative elections, he had run in our constituency, so I simply went to meet him.

A word on current events. Real estate developer Kaufman & Broad has been indicted in connection with its downtown renovation project. Does this procedure worry you for the future?

No. I feel ready to tackle this with a competent team and administration. This is an issue that has poisoned debate for three terms. It has also weakened the village's image. The only question we can ask ourselves at this stage is: if there was favoritism, who was favored?

Are you in favor of sponsorship from large groups, as was discussed for the "Cœur de ville" project?

This is a major theme of my campaign. I will never accept this kind of thing because, one way or another, you lose your independence. No municipality should be the plaything of private interests; it's fundamental!

Last winter, the port was the subject of a preliminary investigation into suspected corruption. What do you think of the municipality's reorganization?

I had already questioned the suitability of the former director's background for the position being sought. I have the impression that this method is being continued. Personally, I would use an external profile and avoid multiplying the number of titles within the management team.

The population is declining. What will you propose to keep the people of Saint-Tropez?

For me, the central question is "what Saint-Tropez do we want for the future?" First and foremost, we need to address the overcrowding of tourists. Our village is suffocated for six months of the year. This issue also encompasses the cost of living, traffic, and the organization of the many events...

Does this also involve a greater supply of housing?

Not necessarily. Our territory is small, and we don't have many building opportunities left. Before offering new apartments, we need to ensure we have year-round jobs. This encourages people to stay and even come and settle here.

On finances, you regularly point out "uncontrolled expenses".

I wonder how much room for maneuver we'll have for the next term. They've launched too many projects at the same time, often resulting in budgetary overruns at the end. We also have the legal consequences of cases that haven't yet been resolved. Furthermore, there's no effort to save money. Whether in terms of payroll or event organization... Finally, they've managed the feat of borrowing enormously while increasing local taxes with the tax on second homes.

Regarding this tax, will you commit to reducing it?

Yes, if I can, because it's currently at its peak. It's important to remember that anything that weighs on property can encourage people who love Saint-Tropez to sell their properties.

What are your priorities?

Restore all balances and ensure that Saint-Tropez is respected at all levels.