Pierre Lagonelle has stepped into municipal governance as the new first deputy mayor of Tarbes, taking charge of city hall finances and administration following more than two decades in local politics.
The political veteran, who assumed his executive post following a municipal coalition agreement formed in March with newly elected Mayor Pascal Claverie, leads the 30-member majority group while overseeing the budget and civic services in the Hautes-Pyrénées town.
Lagonelle stated that there was no personal competition between himself and Mayor Claverie, despite the two candidates securing very close vote totals during the last municipal election. He emphasized that Claverie holds the mayoral office, adding that while the two leaders possess distinct personalities, they maintain strong working relations.
As president of the municipal majority group, Lagonelle sees his primary role as ensuring that all 30 elected members feel heard and respected, thereby preserving political unity within the administration. He commended the responsibility shown by majority councillors and praised their active presence on the ground across the city.
The deputy mayor also expressed gratitude to municipal staff, noting that the vast majority display high levels of commitment to local residents. He gave specific praise to the team at the Tarbes Animations event organization, led by Francis Nicolai and Yves Haure, for stepping in on short notice in April to deliver a successful summer events program.
Municipal finances and administration
Lagonelle brings a background in banking and economic analysis to his role overseeing city hall finances. He holds a degree in political science specializing in economics and finance, as well as a doctorate in economics earned in Paris.
In addition to managing the city budget, his portfolio as deputy mayor for finance and general administration includes oversight of civil registration, municipal elections, and the management of the three public cemeteries in Tarbes.
Lagonelle warned that the financial flexibility of Tarbes remains narrow. Despite those tight budgetary margins, he reaffirmed the commitment of the municipal administration not to increase local taxes, following the previous decision to abolish the city tax on vacant housing.
Opposition to the Lanne hospital plan
Beyond fiscal management, Lagonelle has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of plans to construct a consolidated regional hospital facility in the nearby commune of Lanne.
He described the proposed Lanne development as a very bad solution, arguing that constructing a new healthcare facility within Tarbes itself would be significantly more practical and beneficial for the population.
Lagonelle expressed hope that state officials would reconsider the site selection and abandon the Lanne proposal. He warned that moving the public hospital out of Tarbes would represent a civic disaster comparable to the historical closure of the city arsenal.
Local roots and political career
Lagonelle's political career spans more than 20 years in the town where his family has deep roots. Born at Place du Foirail to parents native to Tarbes, his father worked at the local arms factory, and his children were also born in the town. He noted that he married someone from outside Tarbes to avoid inbreeding.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Lagonelle trained at the Stado Tarbes Pyrénées Rugby school until age 18, later served as a rugby referee, and remains an active long-distance runner.
His involvement in politics began at age 22 when he started campaigning for centrist groups. First elected to the Tarbes municipal council in 2001, he served initially in the governing majority before spending years in opposition under former mayor Gérard Trémège, before returning to executive office in March.
