"Feeling useful is exciting": Richard Thiéry, Mayor of Courmes, talks about his passion for what he considers a "magnificent mandate"

Recently retired from ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety) in Sophia Antipolis, where he was research and laboratory director, Richard Thiéry has been head of the village of Courmes since 2014. While he "has no reason not to be a candidate" in 2026, he fights every day to defend his community and hopes to be able to develop numerous projects there.

How is your second term going?

Re-elected in 2020, I'm still happy to be mayor. What I really appreciate is seeing concrete achievements. As an elected official and a researcher, I find it very complementary. Because when you decide on a project, carry it out, and see it come to fruition, it brings real satisfaction.

Were you able to make connections between your professional activity and your role as an elected official?

Indeed, through my profession, having spent my entire career doing veterinary research in support of agriculture, I have a strong affinity for the agricultural sector. There, I am surrounded by beekeepers and sheep farmers. My philosophy is to support and sustain agriculture and to ensure that this community, which is rural, remains so.

How to manage such a small municipality?

We face the same issues as larger municipalities because we have the same responsibilities: security, public health, waste, etc. But we're much closer to residents. Everyone knows the mayor and the municipal councilors. We're often approached directly by residents. There isn't the filter that there might be, I think, in larger municipalities.

Despite the size of the town, you have two employees and the town hall is open every day...

This is my wish. We try to maintain this proximity, which seems really important to us, because in a small village like ours, there is only the town hall. It is an essential service.

You have decided not to raise taxes...

We promised not to increase them for this term. We kept our word. I believe that since there are not many services, there is no reason to increase local taxes.

A quick word about the inn, whose lease has not been renewed?

As we've already mentioned, the non-renewal of the lease isn't about the people, but rather about the model, which doesn't meet the needs of the town and its residents. While the inn is a good way to get around for people who come to Courmes, the residents no longer come. A model needs to be reinvented. Even though, I'm aware, it's difficult.

What projects are planned in Courmes?

Maintaining our environment by acquiring plots of land where possible to protect the community. We will also soon inaugurate our new municipal council chamber, completely renovated and redesigned. Then, thanks to the arrival of fiber optics last December, we hope to be able to set up a real telehealth consultation space. We also want to promote culture with more concerts and conferences. This is under consideration.

You are also in favor of installing solar panels...

Yes, we conducted a feasibility study for installing solar panels on municipal buildings. The most suitable location is on the roof of the municipal inn. It's under consideration. However, large photovoltaic power plants in the middle of nature—no.

What about parking?

This is a real problem within the community. It's one of the issues we're going to try to address as best we can in consultation with residents. Because we also want to renovate the village square and review the parking.

What is Courmes’ place within the Casa?

I'm very satisfied. We have a president who listens to the mayors of small towns. The Casa helps us a lot with our projects.

Will you be a candidate in 2026?

The question comes a little too quickly; there are still eight months left in the term. There's still a bit of work to be done. As of today, I have no reason not to be a candidate. It's a wonderful term. Listening to the residents and doing something that satisfies everyone is what drives me.

The end of mixing, a good thing?

If it's implemented, we'll stick to the rules. It's a good idea, but in small towns, practical implementation can be difficult. However, in Courmes, I'm not worried if lists have to be drawn up: the people of Courmes are very involved in municipal life.

His 3 priorities

Maintain the living environment

Ensure that our environment remains a privileged environment.

Maintaining good living together

This includes, in particular, the project to redesign the municipal inn. It also involves providing local solutions for residents and further promoting culture.

Review parking

Make sure it meets the real needs of residents.