July 13, 2024 – 🎉 French National Day Celebration in Namur 🇫🇷

Magali Dugardin
Jul 13, 2024
7 min read

The Consular Corps of the Province of Namur had the pleasure of participating in the celebration of the French national holiday, organized by our colleague, the Honorary Consul of France in Namur, Mr. David Dannevoye , on July 12 and 13, 2024 on the Place d'Armes. This event brought together many guests to celebrate Franco-Belgian relations. 🤝🇧🇪

The protocol ceremony was held on Saturday, July 13 in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes , new Ambassador of France to Belgium, Mrs. Stéphanie Rouville , Consul General of France in Brussels, Mr. Denis Mathen , Governor of the Province of Namur, and Mr. Maxime Prévot , Deputy Mayor of the City of Namur. 🎩👥

Mr. David Dannevoye's speech emphasized the importance of friendship and cooperation between France and Belgium. He thanked the volunteers and members of the Franco-Belgian Friendship Association of the Province of Namur for their hard work in organizing this event.

The Consular Corps of the Province of Namur was proudly represented by Magali Dugardin, President, Honorary Consul of Congo 🇨🇬, and Frédéric Lernoux, Honorary Consul of Mongolia 🇲🇳. Their presence demonstrates our commitment to strengthening cross-border ties and celebrating Franco-Belgian relations. 🌍💼

Our twinning with the Consular Corps of Lille - Hauts-de-France Region (CCLHDF) strengthens the special ties we maintain with France. This twinning, formalized in February 2024, illustrates our commitment to promoting international cooperation and multilateralism. 🌐🇫🇷

The celebration concluded with a popular dance and various activities, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. 🎶💃🕺

📸 Photos © André Dubuisson

Here is the speech given by David Dannevoye:

Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador of France to Belgium,

Madam Consul General of France in Brussels,

Mr. Governor,

Mr. Deputy Mayor of the City of Namur,

Major Demeuse, representing the Military Commander of the Province of Namur,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Federal, Community and Regional Deputies,

Mr. Mediator of Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation,

Mr. Deputy President of the Province of Namur,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Provincial Deputies,

Ladies and gentlemen, Mayors of the municipalities of the Province of Namur,

Ladies and gentlemen, Aldermen and Presidents of CPAS,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Provincial, Municipal and Social Action Councillors,

Mr. Adjutant Major of the 2nd Commando Battalion,

Mr. Divisional Commissioner, Head of the Namur Capital Police Zone,

Mr. Councilor for French Nationals Abroad,

Madam and Sir, Honorary Consuls Emeritus of France in Namur, dear Chantal and Dominique,

Madam President of the Consular Corps of the Province of Namur and Honorary Consul of Congo Brazzaville,

Honorary Consul of Mongolia,

Honorary Consul of Georgia,

Mr. Director-President of Hénallux,

Presidents of the Central Committee of Wallonia and of the College of Neighborhood Committees,

Mr. President of the French Benevolent Society of the province of Namur,

Mr. Deputy General Delegate of the Souvenir Français and the local delegates,

Mr. President of the Namur Patriotic Interfederal,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Presidents and Representatives of French and Belgian Patriotic Associations and Movements,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Flag Bearers,

Dear friends Molons and Zouaves, dear friends of folklore,

Ladies and Gentlemen in your titles, ranks and qualities,

Dear compatriots, Dear friends of France!

Last year, I began my remarks by saying: “Caramba, it’s failed again!”

Indeed, two years ago, I announced the establishment of an association with the aim of supporting me in the development of activities in the territory of the Province of Namur.

We then aimed to organize a popular ball on Place Maurice Servais.

We then found ourselves in the magnificent setting of the Fief at the Citadel.

This year, it is with real pleasure and pride that, along with all the members of the Franco-Belgian Friendships of the province of Namur, we welcome you to this beautiful Place d'Armes, in the heart of Namur, the capital of Wallonia.

I would like to begin my remarks by thanking the ten members of the association and all the volunteers who have joined us since yesterday to make this event a success.

For weeks, the teams have been working tirelessly. It wasn't easy. It was an obstacle course... right up until the last day. But we made it! Thank you all!

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the association is open to everyone... and that if you feel like it, we would be happy to welcome you into our midst. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Since yesterday, the Fête des Français has been in full swing and brings us together around this beautiful FRANCO-BELGIAN friendship.

I insist on this term friendship. Because yes, the relationships we maintain between neighbors, cousins that we are on both sides of the border, are based on this friendship.

And this is despite the fact that during each football tournament, chests swell and tempers flare somewhat.

This only lasts for a while and very quickly we renew the bonds of brotherhood between our communities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to tell you how happy I am to see you all gathered together on this 13th of July, French people and friends of France, to celebrate our national holiday.

I would like to sincerely thank His Excellency, Mr. Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes, our new French Ambassador to Belgium, and his wife for their presence this evening in Namur.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the past two weeks, the French Republic has undergone a unique exercise in democracy following the dissolution of the National Assembly and the organization of early legislative elections.

Two elections were held to elect our representatives to the National Assembly.

In Belgium, the Consulate General and the consular teams in Brussels, under the leadership of Mrs. Stéphanie ROUVILLE, Consul General, organized polling stations across Belgian territory.

Namur, as in every French election, also had offices allowing this time the French from Charleroi, the provinces of Namur, Liège and Luxembourg.

Allow me to thank the authorities and municipal services of the City of Namur, who respond favorably to our requests at each election and help us admirably in organizing them.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Appointed in January 2019 and after an initial period of 5 years as Honorary Consul in Namur, I was extended for a further period of 5 years.

I would like to pay tribute to Mr. François SENEMAUD, our previous Ambassador, and thank him and the Consul General for their continued trust.

For over five years, I have been committed to doing my bit to maintain the strong relationships between Namur, its Province, and France. Whether it be economic, cultural, security, scientific, or societal, many links are indeed forged and maintained between France and Belgium.

Namur, the capital of Wallonia, is undoubtedly one of the major players in the common dynamics with all its contacts, so diverse and varied, which are of prime importance in the links developed at the Franco-Belgian level.

But beyond these dynamics, there are each and every one of you, French people established in the province, students in our universities and colleges, French people passing through.

I would like to point out that in Belgium, there are more than 100,000 French nationals registered at the Consulate General, but the actual figure is estimated to be closer to 300,000.

In the Province of Namur, there are around 4,200 of us. But in reality, there are an estimated 11,000 French people present in the region, without taking into account the many students.

Since my appointment in 2019, I have had a real pleasure in meeting and welcoming you during the monthly meetings that I hold here at the Bourse to issue your passports and national identity cards or to listen to you and try to guide you through the difficulties that you may encounter in the maze of administrative procedures on both the Belgian and French sides.

I repeat to you strongly, I am listening to you and at your disposal.

Because it is the satisfaction that our fellow citizens can have that makes my mission pleasant and meaningful.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight we are gathered to celebrate!

I wanted this celebration to be resolutely unifying, open to as many people as possible and warm!

So, before launching the public ball and giving the floor to His Excellency, the Governor and the Mayor, I would like to conclude my remarks by offering a few thanks.

The first will go to His Excellency the Ambassador and to Stéphanie Rouville, our Consul General. Thank you again for your presence, your support, and your attentive listening to the interests of our fellow citizens.
To our Governor of the Province of Namur for his attention and daily work on security issues in our cross-border territories.
To the City of Namur, its Mayor and all members of the College, and to the various departments for their support in this organization, even at short notice. I am thinking in particular of the Equipment Loans and Public Cleanliness departments.
Thank you to the members of the Franco-Belgian Friendships of the province of Namur for their support and their current and future investment... and for the aperitif they will offer you after these speeches.
Thank you to the volunteers who responded to our call at short notice.
Thanks to Mathieu and my family who support me and my mood swings and stress... and believe me... it's not nothing...
Finally, thank you, each and every one of you, for your presence this evening, which demonstrates the bonds of Franco-Belgian friendship. Thank you to the many French people who came to celebrate their national holiday, and thank you to you, our friends of France, who came to celebrate with us.