Marie-Christine Arnautu, due to a lack of numerical weight, does not have much influence in the debate within local bodies (Nice City Hall and Metropolitan Council) where she sits.
However, she has no shortage of experience and knows how to seize opportunities.
This is the case concerning the 2018 metropolitan budget, which is notable for presenting a tax increase with a new property tax of 6.4%.
We all know that when one mentions “tax,” it’s like touching a live electrical wire, and the risk of getting shocked is more than just a probability!
After the budget orientation debate for 2018 caused turmoil within the majority with the official birth of the “pro-Ciotti” group, the far-right representative returns to the fray and will present this morning “the amendments of the FN will allow mayors to express themselves clearly.”
In reality, if the expression is subtle, it is actually a stinking bomb in the chamber.
Who will vote for it?
The socialists and various left-wing groups who will likely vote against the resolution proposed by Christian Estrosi? How could they join their voices with those of the National Front, their traditional enemy?
Will the “pro-Ciotti” group, whose leading figure is already suspected of ties with the far-right electorate, engage in a perilous exercise that is likely to be exemplified as proof of this thesis?
Below are the amendments that will be presented by the National Front and put to a vote:
A first amendment will propose a vote to submit the preliminary budget project for 2018 to a referendum. Indeed, the current President was elected on the promise not to increase local taxes; the consequent reversal represented by the tax increase (a 30.3% increase in tax revenue nonetheless!) should thus be submitted to voters again.
A second amendment will propose that the “receptions” chapter credits be reduced from the 52,500€ planned to 17,820€, which is the level of the 2017 budget. It would indeed be inappropriate for the metropolitan council to burden its taxpayers while boasting rigorous management at the same time as increasing its reception expenses by 195%.
A third amendment will simply propose to replace 6.40% with 0% concerning the property tax on built properties and to replace 9.9% with 10.9% concerning the trash collection tax. Clearly, it will be proposed to the metropolitan elected officials to maintain the rates in force during the 2017 fiscal year.
