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Paris, the 14/01/2019. French President Emmanuel Macron listens to Vanik Berberian, president of the association of rural mayors of France (AMRF), come forward the first applications of citizens gathered on registers in the town halls. Ludovic Marin / Pool via Reuters

After the death of the mayor of Signes, the mayors of France are called to answer an online questionnaire on the Senate website on the conditions for the exercise of their mandate.

Ten days after the death of the mayor of Signes, the Senate gives the floor to the 36,000 mayors of France . In 2018, 360 city councilors were victims of incivility, 40% of whom suffered physical violence.

" Have you been victimized as part of your duties of incivility, insults or physical aggression? In all, a dozen questions. A Senate initiative that is appreciated but divides.

For some elected officials, this questionnaire is timely. Jean-François Lovisolo is president of the association of mayors of Vaucluse. For him, the threats have lasted long enough, it is a good initiative. " Today, already that the function is complicated, it is necessary that one has a system of protection against threats which sometimes exceed the limits. Barely veiled threats, because people meet them every day. The local elected today plays the role of spring to reduce the pressure. "

A pressure that the local elected officials are under full pressure. But the discomfort does not date from yesterday, the mayors have already been consulted. Some people fear that this consultation will not serve any purpose. The first vice-president of the association of rural mayors, Michel Fournier, is not too much illusion: for him this questionnaire will lead to no announcement. " There is not much surprise to expect. We will not have behind an ultimate revelation. Macron organized the big debate: a lot of things were said. "

To tell or tell senators the realities of their daily lives, the mayors have until September 15.

→ Re-listen: Drama of Signs: "The question of the wild deposits is part of the daily life of the mayors"