The Metropolitan Council debated two strategic points of its activities within its area of expertise on Friday.
The first is sustainable development, as outlined by law 687/2011, which requires local authorities to report on their actions, programs, and assessments according to the principles and goals set by Agenda 21 in the fields of economy and social issues.
A sharp intervention by the environmentalist Decoupigny pointed out the open wound of the local unemployment rate, which is higher than the national average. However, as the opposition councilor reminded, the main objective of the OIN was precisely to reduce this high percentage.
“Everything is fine,” replied Christian Tordo, “the situation is improving, and soon the first results will be evident in the Var plain.”
As a reminder, the master plan for the future Eco-valley envisions between 20,000 and 30,000 new jobs by 2020 and in the following decade.
The highlight of the day was the debate on budget orientation, a kind of forecast fresco that precedes the vote.
Orientation precisely implies, trend axes around which choices and arbitration are found to construct a coherent budget in its options and sound in its financial balance: did not Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman coin his intellectual motto with the simple definition “there is no free lunch”?
Does the Metropolis then have its finances in order to fund its operation and the necessary funding for its ambitious development plan?
Well, yes and no. While the debt in December 2014 was 1,040 million euros, the investment program planned between 2015 and 2020 should raise it to 1,500 million.
So, will there be too much debt or not, and what could be the consequences?
In short, the problem of debt does not exist until a creditor trusts you and lends you money with the expectation that you will repay it, capital and interest, in due time.
The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis is certainly a reliable and creditworthy client, so there is no problem for the community to resort to borrowing. The issue, if there is one, is to ensure these lines of credit are invested in productive investments expected to yield returns.
From this response (but when talking about forecasts one should rather lean on hypotheses because many variables can come into play) one could get a glimpse of what might happen in the next five years.
In this exchange between majority and opposition, the usual optimism of Christian Estrosi, with the emphasis that accompanies it, shifted from self-satisfaction to self-beatification…
In fact, to return to the core, in the “summa” illustrated by the always measured (what a breath of fresh air after so many litanies!), Philippe Pradal, we rediscovered the guiding line that can only be judged favorably, that of investment for growth.
Afterwards, it remains to accomplish what has been planned, which must not be taken for granted.
But, to reassure everyone, in the midst of a mystical approach, Christian Estrosi used the citation from the Parable of the Talents of Saint Matthew… was it addressed to himself (one is never better served than by oneself) or to some particularly well-regarded entourage members? We were left wanting more.
Moreover, given the propensity to invoke the benevolent gaze from above, Christian Estrosi could be the herald of a new doctrine that could be called “three-dimensional,” namely: reflection, action, and inspiration or, perhaps even better: inspiration, reflection, action. With the help of Saint Matthew, anything becomes possible!
A little less understanding, the opposition did not spare the President of the Metropolis.
Starting with Paul Cuturello (PS) who pointed out the reduction in investments for the second tram line and the cost of the underground section, also asking, without receiving an answer, for better understanding of the political significance of the phrase “a necessary reflection on the level of taxation.” A well-founded critique also came from the Independents Group with its leader.
Véronique Paquis was able to present a positive and encouraging report except for the environmentalist Fabrice Decoupigny, with a foot in the door, who wondered: What about sustainable growth given that the local unemployment rate is higher than the national one despite declared investments and a Var Plain Operation promising 20,000 to 30,000 jobs in the coming years?
“Precisely,” Christian Tordo, the President of the EPA in charge of the operation, replied, “investments are underway, some sites are in the realization phase, and the effects will be seen shortly. Stay tuned…”
Gael Nofri denouncing on his side “the policy of excessive investment” used as an antidote to the economic situation.
Finally, the more robust assault came from Marie-Christine Arnautu, European MP and FN municipal councilor, whose pleasure in criticizing Christian Estrosi is palpable and whose expressions are sometimes very singular: “This document on your budget orientations only aims to obscure this harsh reality (the mayor of Nice’s headlong rush forward). I read only lies, concealments, and muddles mixed with hollow terms that want to sound savvy but mean nothing.”
Given the premises, the debate on the preliminary budget, when it comes to moving from orientations to deliberations, promises to be colorful!
