Jean Castex has been Prime Minister since the beginning of July 2020. -

Maxime Le Pihif / SIPA

Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Saturday that he had "never been convinced" by the creation of "immense regions", which do not meet "the growing needs" of proximity, during a trip to Alsace.

The European community of Alsace (CEA), which was created on January 1, merged the departmental councils of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin for the benefit of a unique structure in France.

The CEA, which remains anchored in the Grand-Est region, thus recovers the skills of the two former Alsatian departments (management of colleges, social and senior assistance, etc.) but is also seizing new skills such as cross-border cooperation with Switzerland and the 'Neighboring Germany.

The head of government, who went to his headquarters in Colmar on Saturday morning, congratulated himself on having "been able to adapt, differentiate, do something sewn" with the ECA.

The return of Alsace to the CEA not "a folkloric whim"

"The desire to rediscover a recognized Alsace (...) does not constitute either a folkloric whim or a threat to the unity of the Republic", he insisted in front of his elected officials, saying he was open to the future to the exercise by this community of extended powers.

“Beyond Alsace, I would like to tell you a personal confidence: I was never convinced by the creation of these immense regions (in 2015), some of which do not correspond to any historical legitimacy and above all do not seem to me meet the growing needs of our fellow citizens for local public action, ”continued Jean Castex to applause.

Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, uncertainty hangs over the date of the regional elections, which should have taken place next March but must be postponed until June, or even after the presidential election.

The new map of the regions: real consistency, despite some drawbacks The territorial reform is coming to an end despite the anger of Alsace

  • Region

  • Regional elections

  • Territorial reform

  • Jean Castex