François de Canson: 'Rewriting the regional trajectory for the period we are facing'
At a time of global upheaval, Région Sud chooses not to submit. Driven by François de Canson, a key figure in the executive led by Renaud...

In a landmark speech, François de Canson presented an ambitious roadmap to rewrite the regional trajectory, adapted to current contemporary upheavals. 'At a time when global reference points are crumbling and France is going through a period of growing internal instability', this reorientation aims to provide a clear, solid and legible course, essential for restoring confidence and meeting citizens' expectations. HISTORIC SHIFT François de Canson stressed that the region is entering a period of historic shift, marked by profound transformations on a global scale.

'The rise of uninhibited protectionism and the weakening of the international order demand a firm and adapted response. Facing these challenges, the region must reinvent itself while remaining true to its major objectives, particularly those pursued since 2021'. Thus, the hosting of the Olympic Winter Games 2030 constitutes a formidable driving force for the region's transformation.
However, this major event requires rigorous organization, reinforced security, and exemplary commitment. This change of method precisely aims to guarantee the necessary conditions for the success of this event, while ensuring a responsible and sustainable management of regional resources. Regarding the ecological transition, François de Canson insisted on the need to protect biodiversity, the coastline, and agricultural land, while ensuring the energy and industrial resilience of the region.
Ecology, according to him, must not be punitive or ideological, but strategic and concrete, in order to respond to the real challenges of the territory. The central objective of this new trajectory is to guarantee a dignified, peaceful, and beautiful life for all residents. Regional policy must not be limited to managing indicators, but must foster the real and daily happiness of citizens.
This involves reliable transport, safe high schools, preserved nature, lively villages, and accessible public services. CONFRONTING REALITY Faced with this unprecedented context, François de Canson announced a change in method. It is not a renunciation, but a strengthening of actions, nor is it an ideological shift, but a response of responsibility.
This change aims to adapt regional governance to current challenges, while maintaining the course set for the future. 'In an era where everything seems negotiable', François de Canson recalled that public authority is not an option, but an essential condition for freedom, equality, and daily peace of mind. 'Reinforcing security in high schools, transport, and city centers is a priority to guarantee everyone the right to live peacefully'.
Peace of mind, according to François de Canson, cannot stem from laxity. On the contrary, it requires a clear, predictable policy based on respect for rules and commitments. This involves stable governance, restrained public discourse, and legible policies.
'At a time when France's logistical, industrial, and strategic vulnerabilities are coming to light, the region must play its full part in a new ambition for economic, energy, and security sovereignty. This implies supporting local sectors, know-how, and strategic companies, particularly in the fields of defense, agrifood, research, and energy'. 'Europe remains an essential anchor and horizon for the region'.
François de Canson pleaded for a Europe of concrete projects, defense, innovation, and the production of its borders and industry. The Région Sud is destined to be a driving force of this protective and ambitious Europe, through its partnerships, cooperation, and budgetary choices. To realize this vision, François de Canson announced ten flagship measures.
• The first ten measures of the VALUES trajectory: 1. Security: Reinforcement of the 'Région Sud, a safe region' scheme with €15 million for municipalities, police forces, gendarmerie, civil security, and prison administration. 2.
Economy and training: Creation of a Security-Defense regional interest operation backed by €70 million in European funds and the implementation of a defense training scheme for companies and their employees. 3. Health: Opening of 45 additional regional health centers in rural and urban medical desert areas, bringing the total to 210 health centers by the end of the mandate.
4. Economy and agriculture: Mobilization of €50 million to support businesses affected by global instability and the American management of customs duties, with a focus on agriculture for food sovereignty. 5.
Higher education and research: Implementation of the regional Welcome Act to attract the best American researchers. 6. Sport and culture: Strengthening of subsidy controls to detect pockets of separatism, radicalization, and refusal of secularism, with the launch of a reporting platform.
7. Transport: 20% reduction in season ticket prices across the regional territory and implementation of a 'Satisfied or refunded' scheme. 8.
Culture: Launch of a ten-year plan to guarantee artistic creation and the place of culture in the next 10 years. 9. French language: Refusal of any use of inclusive writing within the regional administration and in subsidy applications.
10. Security: Mobilization of 1,000 regional transport, forest, high school, and marine guards, with the creation of a volunteer guard for associations wishing to train their volunteer teams in the values of the Republic. The values at the heart of this trajectory, what 'V.' means:
A. L. E.
• V for Vision: Maintain the €30 billion in investment and the set targets, such as the COP d'avance, the region of happiness, and the hosting of the Olympic Games.
• A for Authority: Guarantee freedoms and the art of living through a strong commitment to security and respect for republican values. • L for Freedom: Defend the freedom to conduct business, create, study, and move around. • EU for Europe: Promote a concrete, protective, and ambitious Europe.
• R for Respect: Show a strong commitment to social cohesion and respect for institutions, individuals, and the environment. • S for Sovereignty: Reinforce the energy, water, food, and digital sovereignty of the region.
Photo Philippe OLIVIER.