Laure Bertrand has taken up her first municipal role as deputy mayor of Tarbes after returning to her hometown following 40 years away. She holds the portfolio for culture, tourism, women's rights and international relations.
Bertrand grew up in a family devoted to public service and is the daughter and granddaughter of Tarbes doctors. Her grandfather, Maurice Betbèze, was an obstetrician who founded the Bertrand clinic where article author Cyrille Marque was born in 1976. Betbèze also served as deputy mayor under Maurice Trélut and Paul Boyrie.
Her uncle, lawyer Jacques Bertrand, later joined the municipal administration of Raymond Erraçarret. Bertrand attended the Marie-Curie high school during the tenure of Mlle Fleury.
Career background and political vision
Bertrand spent four decades between Paris and Toulouse working in corporate training and higher education, often bridging the gap between businesses and students. She said she always felt useful in her work, which allowed her to match her convictions with her values, and described herself as passionate about her professional career.
She previously engaged in civic causes through associations focusing on the environment and social inclusion. Bertrand said she has always been passionate about politics in terms of civic life and believes strongly in participatory democracy. She proposed setting up neighborhood councils to involve residents who wish to participate.
Bertrand described her political convictions as leaning to the left without any sectarianism. Her background led her to support the political openness called for by Pascal Claverie during the first round of elections, which led to a joint list with Pierre Lagonelle in the second round.
Bertrand said that during her first meeting with the future mayor, she liked his energy, vision, warm and open personality, determination and strong willpower. She added that the broad portfolio assigned to her reflects his trust.
Cultural policies and accessibility
Bertrand said she wants to make culture accessible to everyone. Her first measures include free admission to museums and a free classical music concert at the Théâtre des Nouveautés.
She said she aims to use culture to enhance the attractiveness of Tarbes through projects in urban and visual arts, heritage trails, exhibition spaces, and modernizing museums to make them accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Bertrand noted that she can build on the momentum created by the previous administration for major local events, including Equestria, the Tarbes festivals and Tarbes en Tango, while introducing the new municipal team's vision. She also highlighted the work of municipal staff and local cultural venues such as Tarbes en Scènes, Le Pari and La Gespe.
Focus on women's rights
Bertrand said that regarding women's rights, she feels as though she is starting from a blank page. The mother of two daughters said the subject is close to her heart and promised to champion it throughout her term.
She outlined two primary objectives for the initiative. First, the city of Tarbes must serve as an exemplary employer for both women and men. Second, the municipality must identify concrete ways to improve daily living conditions for women across the city.
