Obviously, when a new state representative takes office, the protocol, the blue, white and red flags, the Marseillaise and the laying of wreaths in front of the war memorial on Place Fourneyron are required.
This is how the first steps of the new prefect of the Loire, François-Xavier Bieuville, took place this Monday, May 18 in Saint-Étienne.
« Un flair naturel »
This 60-year-old man, a lawyer by training, began his career as an inspector at the general directorate of customs, from which he retained “a natural flair”. His extensive CV led him to perform functions in the prefectures of Savoie and Moselle before taking a turn towards overseas.
Unusually for a prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville ventured into the political arena in 2008 alongside Patrick Balkany at the town hall of Levallois-Perret (Hauts-de-Seine), the town in which he grew up. He was deputy there before submitting his resignation following the failure of his candidacy in the 2017 legislative elections.
“This parenthesis is a slice of life. I still have my independence. It’s an advantage to have been elected. This allows me to understand what an elected official expects and to provide a response. It’s part of my toolbox. The prefect is a political actor who does not play politics,” he adds.
He then worked in different departments of the Ministry of the Interior before being appointed sub-prefect of Douai (North), then of Dunkirk before taking the head of the prefecture of Mayotte in 2024.
“We must fight against what harms the social body”
Even if he admits that he does not know much about the Loire region, François-Xavier Bieuville relies on his “curiosity” which is his “trademark” to discover the Loire. Having only arrived last Friday in Saint-Étienne, he has already identified the security issue as a priority, including the fight against drug trafficking.
This was also the purpose of his first trip during a visit to a Saint-Etienne deal point on Monday afternoon. “Not because he’s a fad. I think it harms civil society. We must fight against what harms the social body. “It’s a public health issue,” he explains. Economic development, but also health and education, the agricultural world and the environment are also “sensitive subjects” which excite him.
“I hope that ASSE will win to return to the first divisionâ€
Another important subject for this great sportsman, he is a diving instructor, practices golf, swimming and walking. “I have an undisguised impatience to attend the next match at Geoffroy-Guichard. This will be my first. I hope that ASSE will win to return to the first division.”
François-Xavier Bieuville does not say this randomly, he remembers the Panini stickers of the Saint-Étienne team that he exchanged with his classmates in the schoolyard to try to obtain those of Rocheteau, Platini or even Herbin. Concerning football and sport in general, “a formidable social glue”, he says he is ready “to discuss with everyone”.
Asked about the possible dissolution of the ultra groups, he jumps in: “This question is in the hands of those who have to decide.” While opening the door to dialogue with “all those who want to talk about sport”.
Behind his imposing build, François-Xavier Bieuville never forgets to quote Goethe: “Speaking is a need, listening is an art. “The new prefect assures: “I have the passion, deep in my heart, to be at the service of citizens. “For him, the work of a prefecture can be summed up as follows: “Celebrate successes, face difficulties.”
