These are warning messages sent to the government, an appeal “To responsibility”, a real anger even, expressed by the mayors of large cities and the presidents of metropolises, all political tendencies combined.
On two occasions, on November 6 and 12, these elected officials wrote to the Prime Minister, denouncing “The deafness of the state”. They express their “Deep concern” for the financial health of the communities for which they are responsible, in the face of a protracted crisis.
All denounce “The absence of state support, despite the promises made”, while the impact of the crisis on local budgets is estimated at 6 billion euros. If nothing is done, “The self-financing capacity of communities will be weakened, even dried up”.
Finances, they say, will therefore no longer be there “Solidarity with the most vulnerable and support for the economy through local public procurement for businesses”. However, three quarters of public investment in France comes from local communities …
Informal discussions
In Nantes, just for public transport, the net loss is 23 million, announces the mayor PS Johanna Rolland. “Since the start of the crisis, we have also spent 7.8 million in the service of the most vulnerable. We are ready to start our projects (nurseries, schools, etc.), to be actors in the recovery, but the State must support us. “
An analysis shared by Nathalie Appere, mayor PS of Rennes. “We have protected and supported the inhabitants, associations, cultural actors, businesses. This aid provided and the lower inflows of money linked to the drop in activity are strongly felt in the budgets. Our capacity to invest in transport, schools, equipment… is being dangerously reduced. “
This worry, Francois Baroin (President of the Association of Mayors of France), in turn, relayed it yesterday to the Senate, during a round table with the associations of elected officials. For 48 hours, informal discussions have been taking place between the State and the mayors. But nothing concrete yet.
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