The French mayor who comes to your home for drinks and debate

The mayor of a small town has a novel way to get to know locals better – he asks to be ‘adopted’ into their homes for an apéro or evening meal to discuss local issues.

Jérôme François has visited five houses so far, with more visits set up.

His aim is to have more direct discussion with residents in Mériel in Val d’Oise, north of Paris, and says “it can be hard to explain complex topics and decisions through a few words on the page. This is better”.

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‘I heard people inside shouting ‘it’s the mayor!’’

It started when he spotted a group organising an apéro on social media and jokingly tried to invite himself. He was told that he was welcome.

“I knocked on their door and was greeted by a surprised woman.

“I heard people shouting ‘it’s the mayor!’ inside. I was invited in, sat down and was given a plate, and we had an incredible night.

He added: “As enjoyable as it was, I also noticed that over the five hours we had a great discussion about the town.

“I was not constrained by a number of words, by a time limit or by certain topics. It allowed me to avoid having to over-simplify things.

“I could properly explain all my decisions, and those things that I was obliged to abide by.”

He also heard good ideas from his hosts in return.

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Talked about electric scooters and social housing

The mairie launched the idea with posters of a sad-looking Mr François, sitting on a suitcase like a lost boy hoping to be ‘adopted’ for a night.

So far, he said, there has always been a great atmosphere and good-natured discussions.

Topics have included the safety of children using trottinettes (small push or electric scooters), which led to him organising police talks at schools, as well as social housing developments, which some worry will be an eyesore.

There have also been debates on rises in taxe foncière.

‘I get to see what people’s concerns are’

To those who accuse him of doing it to be re-elected, Mr François is clear: “Yes, I am doing it for that, but also because it is an enjoyable way for me to spend an evening.

“I get to see what people’s concerns are and we have important and useful conversations.”

The only downside: “My New Year’s resolution was to lose weight and I keep being offered delicious food.”

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