Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, succeeds Jean-Paul Huchon at the presidency of Metropolis
President Jean-Paul Huchon is yielding the Presidency of Metropolis, World Association of the Major Metropolises, at the end of its term of office as the President of the Île-de-France Regional Council. From next December 19th, Mr Huchon will be replaced by the Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of the City of Montreal, appointed by the Metropolis Co-presidents to take over, in accordance with the Metropolis statutes.
The Île-de-France Regional Council and the City of Montreal are both founding members of Metropolis. Founded in 1985, Metropolis brings together nearly 140 members worldwide representing over 700 million people. It aims to provide an international forum for big cities to work together on issues which are common.
Jean-Paul Huchon declared: "Facing the horizon of 2030, when there will be over 400 cities of over 1 million inhabitants, it is important that we can guide our action towards creating and developing even more solidarity, sharing and exchanges between our cities. This is a great challenge for my friend, the Honourable Denis Coderre! I am particularly pleased to pass on our association to his hands."
Denis Coderre stated: "International politics are no longer defined solely in terms of relations between national States; relationships between cities are increasingly shaping them. For nearly ten years heading Metropolis, Jean-Paul Huchon has acted for the major cities of the world to have a powerful voice in international politics. I am honored that the Co-presidents have granted me confidence to continue his work."
