Christophe Béchu, the Minister of Ecological Transition, has been under scrutiny for his lack of attendance at council meetings in Angers. Silvia Camara-Tombini, a socialist council member, pointed out that Béchu had only attended five out of twenty council meetings in Angers and three out of twenty at Angers Loire Métropole. She emphasized the importance of elected officials being present and participating in meetings, as outlined in the municipal council’s internal regulations. Béchu, who was appointed minister in May 2022 and later transferred to the position of first deputy mayor in July 2022, has been criticized for neglecting his duties as a local official.
Béchu justified his decision to remain as first deputy mayor by stating that he wanted to stay connected to the community and that swapping positions with his deputy mayor would not disrupt the municipal council. Additionally, his team believed that promoting a co-listed member to replace him temporarily would create unnecessary tension once his ministerial term ended. Despite his ministerial role, Béchu continued to receive significant monthly allowances from the city of Angers and Angers Loire Métropole, adding to his already high ministerial salary. Critics argue that Béchu’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the institution and the temporary team put in place to manage his absence.
During a council meeting, Jean-Marc Verchère, Béchu’s deputy mayor, defended Béchu and emphasized the importance of having a representative from their city in the government. Verchère argued that the deputy mayor’s role extends beyond physical presence at meetings and that Béchu’s ministerial responsibilities were a valuable contribution to the city. However, critics, including Claire Schweitzer from La France insoumise, have expressed concerns about Béchu’s apparent disregard for his obligations as an elected official. They believe that Béchu could have chosen to remain as a councilor to retain his position after his ministerial term.
The controversy surrounding Béchu’s absence from council meetings has raised questions about the effectiveness of his leadership and commitment to his local constituents. Critics have highlighted the substantial financial allowances received by Béchu while holding both ministerial and local government positions simultaneously. They argue that it is crucial for elected officials to prioritize their responsibilities to their constituents and demonstrate accountability for their actions. Béchu’s decision to prioritize his ministerial role over his duties as a local official has sparked debate and criticism within the Angers community.
The ongoing conflict between critics and supporters of Béchu’s dual role as minister and deputy mayor reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in government. The issue has highlighted the delicate balance between serving at a national level and maintaining connections with local communities. Béchu’s actions have sparked a conversation about the ethical considerations and practical implications of holding multiple public positions simultaneously. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Béchu will address the criticisms and uphold his responsibilities to both his constituents and the broader community.
