Vals Elections: Philippe Joujon’s List Confirmed for March Vote

Vals-près-le-Puy is gearing up for municipal elections on March 15th and March 22nd, with incumbent Mayor Laurent Bernard facing a challenge from Philippe Joujon. Joujon has formally presented his list, “Entendons Vals,” to the prefecture of Puy-en-Velay on February 13th, signaling the start of a closely watched contest.

The upcoming election follows a period of significant upheaval in Vals-près-le-Puy’s municipal government. In July 2024, five adjoints (deputy mayors) resigned, citing “deep disagreements” with the current mayor, Laurent Bernard. These resignations, along with those of several other council members, triggered the need for a partial election in 2024, which Joujon’s list ultimately won, securing 18 of the 23 council seats with over 52% of the vote. This current election is to determine the full council for the remainder of the term.

Joujon’s campaign is built on a platform of listening to residents, maintaining a strong local presence and taking decisive action. His list comprises both returning council members from the previous 18-month term and a significant number of new candidates, representing a broad cross-section of the Valladier community. The stated goal is to continue the work initiated since the 2024 partial election, while upholding financial stability and preserving the town’s identity.

The “Entendons Vals” list consists of 24 candidates. Key figures include Maryse Bachelard, director adjoint; Amélie Baillon, an infirmière (nurse); Christian Bourdiol-Tanavelle, a retired bank executive and current adjoint; Pascal Grangeon, an artisan and adjoint; Myriam Liautaud, an infirmière and adjoint; Gilles Malfrait, a retired bank executive and adjoint; and Karine Reynaud, an agent commercial en immobilier (real estate agent) and adjoint. The list also features a diverse range of professions, including teachers, artisans, business owners, and retirees.

The resignations of the adjoints in 2024 stemmed from concerns regarding Bernard’s leadership style, specifically a perceived lack of transparency, consideration, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. According to a statement released by Joujon’s list, the departing officials felt their concerns were consistently ignored. Notably, Bernard reportedly offered positions on his team to members of the opposition council, despite previously making it difficult for them to access information about ongoing projects.

The timing of this election, less than two years before the next regularly scheduled municipal elections in 2026, presents a unique challenge. Joujon’s list acknowledges this constraint but emphasizes that the four opposition councilors were already actively preparing for the 2026 elections, allowing them to quickly assemble a comprehensive and diverse slate of candidates.

The composition of Joujon’s list reflects a deliberate effort to represent all areas of Vals-près-le-Puy. Candidates reside throughout the commune, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the concerns of all residents. The list’s platform centers on maintaining the financial health of the municipality while prioritizing the needs and interests of the local population.

Philippe Joujon, 57, is a technician de maintenance (maintenance technician) and currently serves as the mayor. His list aims to build on the momentum gained from the 2024 partial election, presenting a unified front focused on continued progress and community engagement. The campaign will include a public meeting scheduled for March 10th at Le Préau, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their platform.

The stakes are high for both Joujon and Bernard. The outcome of this election will determine the direction of Vals-près-le-Puy’s municipal government for the remainder of the current term and potentially set the stage for the 2026 elections. The focus on local issues, transparency, and community engagement suggests a campaign that will resonate with voters concerned about the future of their town.