On February 14, Simon Robic has interviewed Jean-Marc Ayrault , deputy mayor of Nantes (France), about the life of Nantes digital and social media. I invite you to view the complete interview, because the comments collected are very interesting. France has a head start on all the francophone countries as regards the release of data (in English it is called 'Open Data '). However, no French-speaking community has yet to announce the adoption of open governance (' Open Government').
- In Spring 2010, the city of Rennes available to citizens of the raw data .
- The Paris council has decided to release its data December 14, 2010.
- The city of Nantes announced in early February 2011, at the opening of the canteen digital Nantes, that she got in the release of government data .
- By decree dated 21 February 2011, France announced the launch of mission Etalab , which consist of the " creating a single portal to gather and interdepartmental to make available freely to all public information about the state of its public administration and, if they wish, local authorities and persons of public law or private law, charged with a public service mission .
The 9-month campaign led by LiberTIC have positively influenced the opening of Nantes.
However, Jean-Marc Ayrault said in the interview that the "jasmine revolution " Tunisia has been a trigger, which made him realize the importance social media in society. The month of protests and demonstrations insurgency that followed the sacrifice of a young unemployed graduates, and that led to the fall of the regime of Ben Ali, after 23 years of reign, undoubtedly shaken many politicians, who must have awareness.
" It is clear that social networks have played a fundamental role ," said Jean-Marc Ayrault. "This shows that Internet, it's part of our lives today. It is both a means of exchange, but also a great way of developing economic, and that we forget too often . "
The deputy mayor said the city of Nantes has not put enough spaces exchanges available to citizens. He would like there to be more citizens involved in discussions. "If we well organized with the project My City Tomorrow, the forces that exist today, but which are not sufficiently recognized, in which we find especially younger generations - those generations will perhaps policy in the future - it is important that these forces have today speech. "
Jean-Marc Ayrault understands that the implementation of a participatory relationship with people is a complex process that requires time. It provides flexibility in two years.
" Everyone must be aware that we want to play the game of debate. I hope there will be life and confrontation. This can be dangerous. That is why, for we create something together. We must accept that when you call, it really gives the . "
Jean-Marc Ayrault said that citizens have requested the release of data. " data is a collective good. This is a public good. I realized that this could help develop new services. There is an economic issue. But there is also a social issue. I know this is a very positive announcement . "
The deputy mayor will shortly the appointment of a manager, who will be commissioned as a first step in mobilizing all actors.
" Digital technologies are a great way to sustainable development and attractiveness of the territory. In France, we have a developing field that is not used enough. We did not realize it was important , "said Jean-Marc Ayrault.
I granted him an A +. If only the Canadian mayors could understand and foresee what social media to represent a government as good as him, we could soon see the Governments push open from coast to coast.
Attached Video Clip 
