"Lots to do here, but lots of energy": Minister Juliette Méadel visits Toulon

Juliette Méadel, Minister Delegate for Urban Affairs, was out at a brisk pace on Friday morning, meeting with representatives of associations, institutions, and a popular boxing club! She was accompanied by elected officials from Toulon and the Var region: the mayor, Josée Massi, Michel Bonnus, senator for the department, Laure Lavalette, MP, and Mohamed Mahali, director of Toulon-Habitat.

Housing was the topic of discussion. The minister visited the neighborhood, stopping at the headquarters of various associations, including Amitiés Cité, which was the target of vandalism a few months ago: "Our storefront was attacked during the winter, and we were vandalized twice. Despite everything, we're resisting. We're still here and we welcome families all year round," explained the director, Christelle Lecart.

"We're here, we're staying!"

Here, 75 families from La Beaucaire are welcomed every week. "Our solidarity grocery store helps those facing occasional difficulties. They follow a one-year program with us and benefit from food sold at between 10% and 30% of the public price," she explained to the minister. Fresh vegetables, canned goods, fresh produce, as well as clothing, toys, and baby equipment are available at the bottom of the buildings. About twenty volunteers serve the families with a smile, and a enthusiasm that the repeated attacks have not diminished. "We're here, we're staying!"

" What you're doing is fantastic! " exclaimed Juliette Méadel. " There's a lot to do here, but there's a lot of energy. I'm here to encourage initiatives, and your community grocery store is one of them. I also see children from La Beaucaire who have created a mural, others who are creating vegetable gardens, and still others who are repainting benches in color. All of this is what's reducing poverty and suffering. "

"A recurring work of presence and investigation"

Early in the morning, the minister visited the police station where drug dealing spots were recently dismantled. Commissioner Jérôme Martin, interdepartmental director of the national police, provided some details: "We carry out a recurring work of police presence and investigation. And it's producing results in many areas: drug trafficking, removal of wrecks, the fight against squats..."

"I strongly believe in community policing, because there is no freedom without security," added the state representative, who also agreed when the idea of ​​expanding the La Beaucaire police station came up in the conversation. Mayor Josée Massi also supported the idea: "It's necessary. The key is cooperation between the police forces: municipal and national. This year, Toulon is benefiting from 10 additional municipal police officers ."

After the Maison France services and the Le Rocher association branch, Juliette Méadel visited the premises of the former CAF (Family Allowance Fund), which has moved to La Loubière. "Here, we will notably create a service center, other entities, and a large park on the 12,000 square meters available to us. Everything will be announced on June 10," the mayor explained to the minister.

Finally, the highlight of the visit, the government's "Madame Ville" visited the La Beaucaire boxing club. And even put on the gloves with the amateur athletes of Toulon: "My name is Evan and I intend to become a professional boxer. I train every day." "I like this enthusiasm!" replied the minister, who praised "the optimism present in Toulon and which is sometimes lacking in France. We should all decorate you!" she concluded before heading off to Châteauvallon to meet with cultural figures.