Sébastien Olharan will be a good candidate for his succession in Breil-sur-Roya

The suspense was more about the date he would choose to announce it than about the announcement itself. The young mayor of Breil, Sébastien Olharan, confirmed this Friday – during the patronal festival – that he would indeed be a candidate in the 2026 municipal elections.

Interview.

Why represent you?

Because I'm not too old, and I'm in pretty good health. I still have a bit of energy and the will to move the community forward. And if we look at the two major challenges facing Breil—post-Alex reconstruction and preserving the historic center—we're about halfway there. I can't see myself giving up when there's still so much to do. I've also launched a very large number of projects: demolition of the Guidi building, renovation of the elementary school. Not to mention the projects submitted to Mirv: third-place, construction of a performance hall, etc.

The financial question will arise...

It's already a question. For the past year, it's been much more difficult to obtain subsidies. The situation was considered exceptional in the aftermath of the storm, and the budgetary context for local authorities was more favorable. For others, today, we've returned to an ordinary context. While we're still in the exceptional. In normal times, Breil invested €1.5 million per year. We, over two mandates, have to invest €90 million. 40 for landslides, 30 for the storm. And 20 for the ordinary projects that a municipality must carry out. Because we never wanted to neglect the rest. The objective in the coming years will be to generate a self-financing capacity of €200,000 to €250,000.

What daily challenge should we remember?

Mainly the fight against the desertification of the city center. We must ensure that there are businesses and residents who settle there. But it's a comprehensive effort: we must act on cleanliness, housing, security, economic dynamism, and social issues. To achieve this, no two elements are mutually exclusive.

Should we limit it to two terms?

No, it's a case-by-case assessment. For me, the right amount of time, in terms of projects, is three. We're facing challenges that require time. I'm not committing to future mandates, but if we want to see a certain number of things through to the end, I think two mandates is just right.

Is there any risk that you will be asked to run for the legislative elections?

I've already been asked. Twice. But as long as I feel I'm more useful to Breil by being at the town hall, I'll stay there. If tomorrow I feel I'll serve the town better by being higher up, and opportunities arise, perhaps I'll seize them. But for now, I don't see what I'll do better for Breil and the canton as a member of parliament compared to what I'm already doing at the town hall and in the Department.

Are you running with an LR label? UDR? None?

No party, like last time. I'm a right-wing miscellaneous. When I was in my first year of high school, I wrote my short thesis on elected officials and parties. My conclusion was that the more local the mandate, the less impact party affiliation has—whether on the exercise of office or on the chances of being elected. The people of Breil saw clearly that I didn't care about my political color and that relationships with this or that politician never influenced my actions.

Are you leaving with the same list?

I'm giving my city council's elected officials until the fall to decide whether or not they want to continue. Depending on that, I'll ask for new members. I'm happy that some of the elected officials are likely to continue, but also that there could be some renewal. That's the normal life of a human group. The list will be released early next year. I always believe that the project takes precedence over the individuals who carry it out. I'm first going to take the time to take stock of our mandate—which we have nothing to be ashamed of. Then, we'll develop the program with all those who are willing.

You started with the Nouveau souffle association…

Yes, there was a critical assessment with proposals, made by qualified individuals independent of the municipality. I asked to be told on each subject what was going well, what wasn't. I don't think I have all the answers. That's why I made sure to be a mayor who listened: between citizen consultations, neighborhood meetings, the youth municipal council, the monthly Facebook live broadcasts... I take the comments into account. I don't lock myself into a form of certainty. There are, of course, things we could have done better. People criticize the water jet - they're right. The thing never worked, and, indeed, maybe I shouldn't have done it.

Why make this announcement on August 15?

It's the village festival. A powerful moment when a large part of the population gathers together. I wanted to be able to tell the people of Breil face to face. For five years, we've faced a series of challenges. But the population has generally been patient and understanding. I was lucky to be able to count on their support. It wasn't a given—especially after a disaster—but it never resulted in violence or hatred toward me.