The last session of the General Council took place yesterday with the biggest item of the year on the agenda: the vote for the approval of the preliminary budget of this local authority, whose future is still uncertain following the territorial reform.
For the time being, we are heading towards the departmental elections (March 22 and 29, 2015) with the new rule of the “man/woman duo” of candidates for each canton. In the Alpes-Maritimes, there will be 27, leading to the election of 54 councilors, two more than the current number.
The right-wing majority is expected to be confirmed, barring a major surprise. Predictions indicate the arrival of a few elected representatives from the National Front in the assembly and a further shrinkage of left-wing forces.
Eric Ciotti has announced that he will again be a candidate for the presidency before leading the presentation, examination, and rebuttals to the opposition of the 2015 budget with a firm but friendly tone.
The “club” style was maintained even on this occasion, with the discussion held in a subdued atmosphere, and everyone very politely expressed what they had to say.
It’s a shame that Eric Ciotti aspires to take on the persona of a warrior when, contrary to this, he is a cordial man with a sharply English wit. Obviously, some communication advisors may have told him that “playing tough” pays off more image-wise.
We appreciate his competence and perfect mastery of his files more than his offensive style. Furthermore, his Manichaean approach (everything is good on the right, everything is bad on the left) risks undermining rather than serving him: If it rains, it’s not necessarily the government’s fault.
Returning to the facts and figures: The 2015 budget balances revenues and expenditures at €1,333 million (€1,320 million in 2014). The property tax remains at 12.42% without variation, as does the DMTO at 4.5% (it is at its maximum after having been 3.8%).
Other significant figures: Operating revenue of €1,228.54 million (including property tax levies of €255 million and transfer duties of €365 million); State grants decrease to €95 million.
To maintain a healthy financial position, operating expenses allow for a gross savings of €167.1 million, while the recourse to borrowing remains stable at €80 million (€83 million in 2014).
We return to the planned operating expenses of €935 million, with the social action mission being the department’s most significant commitment at €513.1 million, followed by development and planning (€254.4 million), education, sports, and culture (€99.3 million), and infrastructure (€61.3 million).
Investments remain stable at €210 million. The debt at €879 million is at a level compatible with the repayment capacity.
The operation of the administration, including the payroll, is €350 million.
As mentioned, the oppositions…opposed in a very fine manner and with good grace.
Antoine Damiani, on behalf of the socialist group, stigmatized the “continuous complaint” against the government and the “double language” by recalling the “inheritance of a bankrupt State due to its colossal debt.”
As for the department’s debt, it is €879 million, but if the debt transferred to the Métropole were considered, it should be accounted at €1,073 million.
That said, the socialist elected official foresees new room for maneuver thanks to an economic upturn and calls for an increase of €10 million for investments.
The communist elected officials were more combative, accusing the president of the General Council of “adding to the austerity of government policies” the austerity of departmental policies;
In a volunteeristic movement, Francis Tujague appealed to “audacity and determination instead of resigning to such a pessimistic perspective” by bringing investment up to €230 million, an increase of €20 million.
The request by both (socialists) and the others (communists) was dismissed, and they resigned themselves to politely voting against the majority’s proposal.
A meeting is scheduled for those who will sit after the March 2015 elections.
