Mayor's Desk: Unassuming Workspace Rooted in History and Republican Values

The Unassuming Workspace of a Mayor Steeped in History and Republican Values

Unadorned and functional, the wooden desk belies the monumental decisions made within its modest confines. "Many things have taken shape in this humble space," cautions its occupant, who has adorned it with staunchly republican emblems.

"Order amidst chaos is essential," declares Jean-Pierre Chateau, gesturing towards precarious piles of documents. "Here, we have the column for invitations and upcoming events. Over there, it's all about finances. And those are meeting minutes with the government and other partners."

For Chateau, mayor of Guérigny since 2008, a paperless existence is inconceivable. Haunted by the fear of overlooking emails, he resorts to printing. His computer is relegated to a secondary table in the background. "I remain a fervent advocate of handwriting. It's a shame that this notion is fading away, especially since we have such a beautiful language. That's why I prefer my pen."

Until 2020, Chateau deftly juggled his mayoral duties with his role as an inspector general at RTE, a French electricity transmission operator.

"It's crucial to lead these parallel lives. The lessons learned in one are invaluable for the other. In small towns, I don't believe in professionalizing the function of a mayor. We must maintain a connection to real life."

Our Buroscopie Series

This dual existence, however, has taken a toll on his family, prompting "a few reproaches from my children when I'm away." From his career in the energy industry, Chateau cherishes a weighty memento: a large glass insulator nestled amidst the piles of paper.

Every other object in the room bears a connection to Guérigny's history or Republican symbolism. "The town's maritime past is evident in the engravings and photographs of Third Republic ships."

"This office is both welcoming and unpretentious," says Chateau, continuing his tour. "There's no ostentation here."

"Here's a portrait of Father Dariaux [Charles Dariaux], who was the town's mayor from 1904 to 1935. He's depicted with the Guérigny Lyre, or what's left of it, after the carnage of the Great War. We're not here by accident; we're the sum of a rich history, while always looking ahead." Chateau eloquently expounds on the significance of encounters and the countless pivotal moments when someone in this office declared, "I'd like to explore that."

His Object of Choice

In this series, we ask our subjects to select an object of personal value. Chateau points to a bust of Jean Jaurès. "Jaurès, of course, because he left his mark on Guérigny. He came here in 1901 to deliver a speech. With its naval arsenal, Guérigny was a stronghold of the working class and Republican values. Jaurès was a true Republican, one who believed that the primary struggle was to establish and protect the Republic."

Our Object of Choice

It's our turn to single out a memento. A small plastic figurine lost amidst the papers intrigues us. "It's Georges Clémenceau in his military uniform... well, the attire he wore when visiting the front lines. When he assumed power in 1917, amidst a dire situation, he restored confidence and made decisive moves to secure victory. Before that, he had fought against the Empire. He was the mayor of the 18th arrondissement during the Commune, advocating for dialogue to avoid the ensuing bloodshed. And he continued to fight for liberty and the Republic. He embodied both of these personas."

"Clémenceau shared Jaurès' passion for the Republic and their unwavering struggle. They joined forces in the Dreyfus affair, fighting for truth and honor, and in drafting the 1905 law on secularism. These are two towering figures of the Republican Left. As a local politician, I constantly draw inspiration from their legacy."

Under the watchful eyes of these great men, Jean-Pierre Chateau has fashioned "a normal office." For a normal mayor? "There are probably grander mayoral offices out there. But I feel at home in this one."

Coming Soon

In our next installment of Buroscopie, we venture into a different world, discovering the office of a... grocer.

Text and Video: Bertrand Yvernault Photographs: Christophe Masson