Nice Premium: What will the reform of local authorities change for you?
Jean-Denis François: We are merging youth and sports with more social missions. The departmental directorate will therefore have a broader role. With the reform, departments will gradually disappear. Thus, in a few years, regions and municipalities will increase their scope to replace the departmental directorate. Moreover, we will no longer have a fixed budget but will have to request funds from the ministry.
NP: What is your new role?
JDF: We retain the same missions as before, just that more social missions will be centralized with us in our new premises on Route de Grenoble. However, our budget dedicated to youth and sports is maintained. Thus, we continue our objectives of protecting minors, promoting sports, and sports professions. For example, we handle BAFA training.
NP: What differentiates the action of the departmental directorate from that of the regional branch?
JDF: The regional branch supports high-level athletes and sports movements. It conducts and certifies state exams. In terms of youth, there are different programs to help those aged 18-30, such as Envie d’Agir or Défi Jeune. The idea is to financially support young people in their projects.
NP: On a more personal level, how are you experiencing this reform?
JDF: It is not bothersome to broaden one’s scope of activity, it doesn’t bother me. Certainly, I prefer youth and sports, which are my first passions. But I accepted the position because, in any case, I am nearing the end of my career.
