“Cabri, it’s over with Mouttet”!
In Cuers, the split between Mayor Bernard Mouttet and his first deputy, Gérard Cabri, was sealed without a word.
Without uttering a single sentence about his split with Mayor Bernard Mouttet, the first deputy, Gérard Cabri, appeared as a running mate on Mike Melun's list “Dynamisons Cuers” during the first public meeting on January 30th. A politically significant gesture that de facto officializes the end of the executive duo currently leading the town. A silent... but definitive split. No speech, no attack, no direct statement. Thus, the elected official appeared outside the municipal majority, alongside a rival candidate to the outgoing mayor Bernard Mouttet. An expected shift, but never officialized until now. For several months, tensions had been perceptible within the municipal executive. A few days earlier, Gérard Cabri expressed regret, in his words, “at being sidelined and deprived of responsibilities regarding the municipality's financial management for two years.” And it was in an unofficial manner that he supported the candidacy of Mike Melun.
TENSE LAUNCH
Without commenting on the current municipal situation, Gérard Cabri explained: “I am here because I believe in this project.” A phrase that sealed the split between the two men at the helm of the town. Furthermore, Gérard Cabri explained that since the 1980s, several elected officials – including himself – have invested themselves in the economic and political life of the municipality, with a constant goal: working for the people of Cuers. For him, this ability to dialogue beyond divisions has maintained a positive dynamic for the municipality. Another striking element of the evening: only six running mates were presented to the public, whereas a complete municipal list must have 33. A partial launch, unusual for a first campaign meeting. Is this a sign of a list still in progress, difficult recruitment, or a deliberate strategy of gradual unveiling? No explanation was given publicly. For his part, Bernard Mouttet announced his intention to run again, “but about fifteen of his deputies do not wish to run again,” according to Gérard Cabri, who added: “Two or three elected officials could, eventually, join Mike Melun's list.” Another list has been officially declared: that of Laurent Chable (RN).
JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION
This meeting took place while Mike Melun is the subject of an ongoing investigation. Three weeks ago, he was arrested in a case involving alleged parcel embezzlement and mobile phone theft as part of his professional activity. At 30, he is the author of an autobiographical book, Bonnie and Mike (publisher Amazon), in which he recounts a youth marked by bad company, before rebuilding his life through sports and the desire to change. This story of resilience, though it may be touching, raises questions among a portion of the electorate. Finally, the Cabri-Mouttet split, now public, could alter the local political balance. The coming weeks will tell if the Dynamisons Cuers list manages to compete with the other lists. •
Pierre BEGLIOMINI.