A month after the renewal of the General Council, its President Eric CIOTTI takes the initiative to launch a “public consultation” with the people of the Alpes-Maritimes.
This is an initiative we learned of, once again, through the press without any of the 51 other elected members of the departmental assembly having had the chance to discuss it, either in substance or in form.
An increasingly common practice that is, to say the least, not exactly exemplary of a transparent and democratic operation.
Because, at the very least, a prior “consultation” with the elected officials, who are in daily contact with the populations and embody their legitimacy, would have allowed for the selection of the real questions being asked by the inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes.
Firstly, regarding the substance of this “consultation.”
At a time when, on the one hand, a metropolis is being created to suit the personal and economic interests of his friend, the Deputy-Mayor of the central municipality, isn’t there an intention to mark his own territory, namely the Department, even though in the National Assembly Eric CIOTTI has decided on its disappearance with the counter-reform of local authorities? Or to hide this disappearance with a diversion and already position himself in the perspective of the presidential election campaign.
Could this be the beginning of rivalry, protection of his domain, or a personal ambition that would not tolerate any shadow?
Regarding the questions raised, if the President of the General Council had taken the time to remember the numerous observations and proposals we constantly make to him, it would have allowed him to address the questions that truly fall under the primary responsibility of the General Council.
Concerning budget management, instead of asking demagogic questions aimed solely at justifying the reduction of the General Council’s public service missions, we should demand that the State fulfills its financial obligations when transferring its charges instead of offloading onto local authorities.
When it comes to employment, instead of nationally supporting a policy that freezes salaries and pensions, that accompanies all business relocations and favors finance, that generalizes precariousness, the President of the General Council would have been well-advised not to reduce its investments (€250 million in two years!) but to decide on a significant plan of works, prioritizing all the companies that structure the local economy and create jobs.
In terms of security, instead of cutting thousands of police and gendarmerie officers, taking on missions that fall to the State and are paid for by local taxpayers, instead of repressive security measures, the population of the Alpes-Maritimes needs social security, employment security, housing security, integration security, an overall secure living environment.
Regarding social housing, while over 70% of the population in the Alpes-Maritimes meets the criteria to benefit from it, a more ambitious policy is needed, whereas, on the contrary, the real estate speculation on the Côte continues to develop.
In terms of disability, the Deputy and President of the General Council should respect the commitments of his majority regarding the reassessment of adult and disability benefits, develop public facilities for disabled persons, and demand a significantly higher number of school life assistants (AVS) for children, instead of trying to compensate for the State’s thousands of job cuts.
For seniors, thousands of places in public facilities are needed for our elders, at prices in line with their incomes (the median income for those over 60 in the department is €1240), instead of encouraging private retirement home groups that charge prohibitive prices.
This questionnaire is nothing but smoke and mirrors. It attempts to mask a policy that generalizes the State’s disengagement in all areas, generating insecurity and social regression, widening inequalities that local authorities cannot mitigate. Our populations need a radical change in their lives with new financial means to be found from those who speculate on stock markets and destroy sustainable employment in our country.
Noël ALBIN General Councilor of the Canton of L’Escarène
Francis TUJAGUE General Councilor of the Canton of Contes
Jacques VICTOR General Councilor Nice 3 (Riquier / Saint-Roch)
