RETRO 11/12. Montpellier town hall in turmoil, 50 years of MHSC… the events that marked the region in November 2024

At the beginning of this year, Midi Libre invites you to find out about the events that marked the region in 2024. Today, we are looking at the month of November.

UNASSIGNED AGENTS: MONTPELLIER CITY HALL IN TURMOIL

Two periods are concerned: Saurel's term, from 2014 to 2020, and Delafosse's term. JEAN-MICHEL MART

On November 14, 2024, Montpellier City Hall was searched by the judicial police as part of a preliminary investigation. At the heart of these investigations: human resources management. Two cases were singled out: the 297 unassigned agents and that of Michaël Delafosse's former chief of staff until 2022. As early as 2023, the regional audit office pointed out the increase in staff numbers, the financial burden of absenteeism and a lack of rigor in recruitment.

Two periods are concerned: the mandate of Philippe Saurel, from 2014 to 2020, and that of his successor, Michaël Delafosse. The latter said he was “very calm”. For him, it is towards the previous municipal team that we must turn. On the opposition side, it is a question of “suspicions of embezzlement of public funds”. As for the unions, Force Ouvrière at the top of the list, they say they are not surprised. The investigation is underway.

50 YEARS OF THE MHSC: CELEBRATIONS AND A VICTORY TO RELAUNCH THE HOPE OF MAINTAINING

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The last few times have been tough for the MHSC. MAXPPP

On November 5, 2024, Montpellier Hérault celebrated its well-deserved 50th anniversary. Recent times have been tough for the MHSC. For these celebrations, the regional hotel was decorated with a gigantic banner honoring the club. It was visible until December. On November 16, 2024, a match bringing together the club's former glories was organized: Valderrama, César, Hilton, Camara were able to meet their fans, but also guests such as the comedian Paul Mirabel.

It was not a foregone conclusion, however, the atmosphere was tense before the festivities. And for good reason, only a victory against Brest could serve as a gift for this anniversary. Bet won: 3-1 for Montpellier. A godsend for the new coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, who arrived three weeks earlier, who signs the first success of the Hérault club, embarked on a difficult season.

AGRICULTURE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH MERCOSUR: THE REGION'S FARMERS MOBILIZE

The Rural Coordination, FNSEA and Young Farmers have made themselves heard. Midi Libre

Months after the first wave of “farmers' anger”, farmers and producers have once again expressed their anger. This time against the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, its South American economic equivalent. Demonstration in front of the Montpellier prefecture, screening operations in Nîmes, blocking of freight at the Spanish border, SOS seen from the sky in Millau, supermarkets blocked in Toulouse… The Rural Coordination, FNSEA and Young Farmers have made their voices heard.

In early November 2024, the Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard went to Tarn, then to Aude, to meet producers and breeders in difficulty. She announced two new cash aids to ease tensions. As a reminder, the executive is siding with this opposition to Mercosur. Over the next six months, it will have to convince other European states to tip the balance against the free trade agreement.