Arriving in Foix to assess Europe’s investments in the departments, Claire Fita, a socialist European deputy, took the time to explore the city. She also took the opportunity to show her full support for the incumbent mayor Marine Bordes.
During her visit to Foix, European deputy Claire Fita reiterated that behind the grand speeches in Brussels, there are also very concrete projects for the daily lives of residents. Heritage, culture, social connections… In the Ariège city, European funds support structuring plans led by the municipality.
The socialist European deputy embarked on a tour of Occitanie to showcase the benefits of institutions, even in the most remote departments: “I came to show that Europe is everywhere, in close proximity,” she explains. Before emphasizing, “But above all, it is where there is a strong political will, like here in Foix.” For her, nothing is achieved without a determined local team. “Europe is one of the mobilizable partners, primarily because there is this human will in politics.”
One of the highlighted examples is the emblematic renovation project at the Château de Foix. “In total, it is 3 million euros of European funding, of course with other partners,” Claire Fita recalls. This significant envelope has enhanced the tourist and cultural attractiveness of the site. Among other supported projects is the future cinema of the city, endowed with 1,150,000 euros of European funds. A significant construction in Ariège, as the building will become the largest in the department with a total of three screening rooms.
Claire Fita underlines that these investments go beyond the cultural framework. “Both the castle, heritage, or cinema, it is more than just culture, it is also social connection and above all the structuring of a global political project,” she points out. She sees it as a lever for employment, spatial planning, and the sustainability of public facilities. These financial aids support the development of territories.
A native of Occitanie, regional elected official alongside Carole Delga since 2016, Claire Fita proudly claims her southern origins. “I have Occitanie running through my veins. I am from Tarn, I am from Graulhet,” she confides. The European deputy regularly visits the region, especially in Ariège, to defend local issues at the European level.
Her message is clear: “In rural areas as well as in our city centers, we can develop and act to concretely improve people’s lives.” At a time when the European Parliament is sometimes perceived as distant, she insists on territorial cohesion. “Europe is not only about large projects focused on international or commercial aspects, but also about cohesion and investments, especially in public services that we so desperately need.”
In addition to the financial support, this visit also had a political dimension. Claire Fita reaffirmed her support for the incumbent Mayor of Foix. “With Marine Bordes, we share the same values: liberty, equality, fraternity, republican values, values of solidarity, and social justice,” she enumerates. The Graulhet native also highlights Marine Bordes’ ability to unite, a point she deems essential.
“To make Europe, that’s it: fighting against external threats, but also equipping and enriching the daily lives of our fellow citizens,” concludes the deputy. In Foix, amidst a centuries-old castle and the big screen, the European Union intends to show that it is not just about treaties, but also about projects deeply rooted in local life.
