TOULON: Small towns – Var mayors meet to debate resilience and status

Mayors of small towns in Var are meeting this Wednesday in Toulon to discuss climate issues and the status of local elected officials. The Hôtel du Département du Var, in Toulon, is hosting this Wednesday, May 27, 2026, starting at 10 a.m., a major meeting bringing together nearly twenty Var mayors. Organized at the initiative of Jérémy Giuliano, mayor of Le Val and vice-president of the Provence Verte agglomeration, in collaboration with the Association des Petites Villes de France (APVF), this working morning aims to address the specific concerns of municipalities, particularly those of modest size. The day will be opened by Jean-Louis Masson, President of the Conseil départemental du Var, and André Robert, Delegate General of the APVF, marking the importance of this dialogue between different territorial levels.

Climate resilience and risks at the heart of the debates

The first session, scheduled for 10:30 a.m., will tackle a highly topical theme: 'Resilience – risks and climate, what means of action for local authorities?'. Faced with the intensification of climate events, small municipalities are often on the front line with limited resources. To enlighten elected officials, several experts and political leaders will speak. Nathalie Alexandre, Territorial Director Var at Enedis, will shed light on energy issues and network security. Jérémy Giuliano will speak in his capacity as Vice-president of the Agence locale de l’énergie et du climat du Var, sharing his expertise on local action levers. Finally, Dominique Lain, Mayor of Le Luc, President of the Communauté de communes Cœur du Var and President of the SDIS du Var, will share his experience on risk management, particularly fire, a crucial issue for the department. A question-and-answer session with the audience will then allow all mayors present to share their issues and ask questions to the speakers.

The status of elected officials, a societal issue

At 11:30 a.m., the second part of the morning will focus on a more institutional but equally crucial question: 'Status of the local elected official, what new advances?'. Local political vocations are eroding in the face of the growing difficulties of the role: administrative complexity, increase in assaults, difficulties in balancing the mandate with personal or professional life. Maître Philippe Bluteau, lawyer at the Barreau de Paris and legal counsel for the APVF, will present legislative developments and possible protections for elected officials. This legal analysis will be complemented by concrete testimonies on the theme of 'private life / public life: how to balance them?'. Hélène Bill, Mayor of La Garde and Vice-president of Toulon Provence Méditerranée, as well as Cathy Venturino-Gabelle, Mayor of Barjols and Vice-president of the Communauté de communes Provence Verdon, will share their personal experience on the challenges of this daily balance.

National figures to close the discussions

The closing of this meeting, scheduled for 12:30 p.m., will be led by prominent figures. Christophe Bouillon, President of the APVF but also President of the Agence Nationale de la Cohésion des Territoires (ANCT), will bring a national perspective to the debates. Simon Babre, Préfet du Var, or his representative, will also conclude the work, recalling the commitment of the State alongside local authorities. A cocktail offered by the Département du Var will close this morning of discussions