The launch party for the Lumières de Laval, 2022 edition, will take place on Saturday, November 26 in the city center. The city unveiled the program of the festivities on Monday. If the smiles and the magic of Christmas will operate at this time, the political controversy invites itself for the moment.
The municipality (various left) castigates the decision of the Pays de la Loire Region not to grant a subsidy of 10,000 euros to the event. In a statement, the city of Laval deplores this decision. “For many years the Pays-de-la-Loire Region has been a faithful and appreciated partner of the Lights of Laval, the biggest festive and commercial event in Mayenne which brought together 1.5 million visitors last year.” she wrote.
“A political act”?
“It’s arbitrary and it’s derogatory to the city. I still remind you that these festivities, in their origin and this is still the case today, are there for economic attractiveness, to allow businesses to do well. I see it as a political act. There is sometimes a bit of “Laval bashing” from certain communities. It’s starting to get very very disturbing” declares Bruno Bertier, first deputy
Contacted, Samia Soultani, Vice-President of Mayenne in the Region explains that the community is not intended to finance such an event. In 2015, the regional council financed the launch of the Lumières market because it brought together craftsmen from all the Pays de la Loire, so it was logical” explains the elected official.
In addition, the city of Laval has proposed to the departmental council to pot also. “The theme is water and it is precisely a departmental competence, that would make sense“says Bruno Bertier. During the departmental session on Monday, November 14, President Olivier Richefou did not completely close the door by telling Bruno Bertier that he would make him a proposal.