In the thorny debate between Alsace and the Grand Est, a crucial question persists: will they manage to agree to ensure a promising future? Follow our analysis to discover the keys to this delicate regional situation.
Ongoing negotiations to save the future of Alsace and the Grand Est
For several years, Alsace and the Grand Est have been living in a state of tension. The inhabitants of Alsace feel neglected within this large region, while the Grand Est does not want to see its most dynamic territory slip away. In light of this observation, negotiations have begun between Franck Leroy, president of the Grand Est regional council, and Frédéric Bierry, president of the Departmental Council and the European Community of Alsace, aimed at finding common ground to save their shared future.
These negotiations started constructively, with the establishment of an agreement on a work program and regular meetings. Under the supervision of Josiane Chevalier, prefect of Bas-Rhin and the Grand Est, the two men aim to reach agreements on possible transfers of competencies between entities, without considering the dismantling of the large region.
A decisive role for Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron has attached great importance to this situation and has entrusted Josiane Chevalier with the responsibility of overseeing the negotiations. The President of the Republic has made his position clear: he does not wish for Alsace to leave the Grand Est, but he is open to discussions to improve regional policies. He emphasized the need to avoid a “grand institutional game” during his visit to Strasbourg.
Philippe Breton, editorial director of the Observatory of Political Life in Alsace, emphasizes that it is Emmanuel Macron who holds the keys to this issue. Despite his definitive position, he has proposed these negotiations to facilitate the transition. Therefore, it is highly probable that new competencies will be assigned to the European Community of Alsace, thus allowing each party to save face.
Crucial stakes for the future of Alsace and the Grand Est
These negotiations concern additional transfers of competencies to the European Community of Alsace, which already holds departmental competencies, as well as those in transport, economic development, tourism, cross-border cooperation, and culture. This time, it could involve trade, crafts, sports, and other yet unknown areas. The precise framework of the negotiations is not known, but one thing is certain: their outcome will have crucial consequences for the future of Alsace and the Grand Est.
On one hand, President Franck Leroy opposes the dismantling of the large region but remains open to transfers to enhance the efficiency of policies serving territories and citizens. On the other hand, Frédéric Bierry, president of the European Community of Alsace, is more aggressive and seeks concrete and constructive results. The position of Alsatian elected officials is also divergent, with some supporting the cause of the Grand Est while others call for a separation from the region.
An uncertain future, but possible solutions
The future of Alsace and the Grand Est remains uncertain, but solutions seem to be on the horizon. The ongoing negotiations offer the possibility of finding common ground that would allow each party to save face while preserving the unity of the large region. This is a crucial issue, as Alsace represents the most dynamic territory of the Grand Est, and a separation would have major economic and political consequences.
It is therefore vital that these negotiations lead to concrete and balanced agreements, allowing Alsace to feel more heard and represented within the Grand Est while preserving the region’s unity and cohesion. This will likely require compromises from both sides, but it is essential for the future of Alsace and the Grand Est to find a solution that satisfies all stakeholders.
