The Budget Orientation debate was an opportunity for the Mayor of Nice to present a preliminary assessment of his activity before his last full year in office, with the following year, 2014, being an election year. Christian Estrosi defined the 2013 budget as one of “reason, action, and protection,” alternating between criticism of the government’s policies and self-satisfaction with his own management.
What can the people of Nice expect next year?
First and foremost, the stability of local tax rates, even though it should be taken into account that each year there is a revaluation according to the finance law. Control over borrowing and operating expenses to allow self-financing of 20 million euros in support of the investment policy.
But what actions will come to fruition (or see the completion of projects) next year?
The Green Corridor and the Allianz Riviera stadium are the major media pieces to which the Sud Station media library and the Pasteur library should be added, and on the sports side, the aquatic center of the Var Plain.
As for housing, a point contested by the opposition, the housing program remains insufficient relative to demand despite progress in recent years. Meanwhile, the renovation of the Pasteur, Ariane, and Pasteur districts and the redevelopment of the Notre-Dame area should continue.
Finally, the event policy, so dear to Christian Estrosi who has also made it an economic aspect, will be maintained and marked by several international-scale events: The hosting of the fourth stage of the Tour de France, the 50th anniversary of the Matisse Museum, and the Francophonie Games.
Does all this make for a policy with a global vision or just a simple addition of actions? Does it reflect the powerful drive of a leadership with far-reaching vision or the narrow sight seeking the consensus of the next day?
The answers are, of course, opposing depending on the interlocutors. While Christian Estrosi sees himself as a “doctor magistralis,” the opposition, however, opposes him across the board.
In short, a dialogue of the deaf that already carries the scent of the upcoming municipal election.
And what about the people of Nice in all this?
