While one clue does not constitute proof, when clues are numerous, we’re in a probative framework: Christian Estrosi does not like the delegation of public services!
Following the management of the MIN, school canteens, the Jean-Bouin Pool, and the Jazz Festival, it is now the turn of urban transport today and, most likely, the distribution of water as soon as the current contract ends (and whose date has been advanced to February 3, 2015, from November 6, 2017, thanks to a clever interpretation of the State Council’s ruling regarding the application of the 1995 Barnier law).
But, aside from jurisprudence, it is a political will that the mayor of Nice wants to affirm: “My choice to propose transitioning to a direct management is also guided by a strong belief that the service provided to citizens will be better if we ensure its management.”
These two deliberations focused the work of yesterday’s Metropolitan Council and obtained a favorable vote from elected officials, with a few remarks and abstentions from the opposition (but beware of tactics!).
In the case of public transport, beyond false statements that appeared in the local press some time ago, the offers from the two candidates (ST2N/Veolia/Transdev and Keolis) showed a significant increase compared to the current cost and the objectives of the Metropolis (97 million euros for one and 101 million euros for the other, against 81 million euros per year for the period 2012-2019).
The issue of the water public service delegation, held by Veolia (a brand that is no longer in favor since its president is no longer Henri Proglio), has not yet been decided upon, but all signs point in the same direction, and we are heading straight towards direct management.
Moreover, the figures clearly show it: Since January 1, 2012, 19 communes already have a harmonized metropolitan tariff, 28 communes of the Metropolis are under direct management, and 22 operated within 6 public service delegations.
If the Metropolis’s services are currently studying the possibility of relaunching a DSP procedure or preparing for a direct management of the Nice contract, the conclusions are easy to imagine.
On the other hand, the passionate marathon-speech by Vice President Hervé Paul, President of the commission in charge of the file, announces the color beforehand, and with such a Water Magistrate, it would be a sin to look elsewhere.
And as they say, “he who does for himself does for three.”
So, “for better public service at the best cost for users,” which seems to be Mr. Paul’s slogan, long live direct management!
