Even though the report from the Regional Chamber of Accounts and the controversies triggered more or less manipulated the session, around a hundred deliberations were voted on by an overwhelming majority, while the two opposition groups chose to express themselves according to each deliberation: the succession of in favor, abstention, against (with the technical difficulties of the videoconference not helping to understand the reasoning each time) sometimes gave the impression of picking lottery numbers.
The two major topics were the deliberations related to Storm Alex and the post-Covid recovery plan.
The reconstruction program for the affected valleys, estimated at nearly a billion euros and for which we are still awaiting decisions regarding state aid, suggests complexity and a long waiting period. To manage the wait as best as possible, the Metropolis, which has already committed about fifty million euros to address emergencies (20 million euros) and contribute to SMIAGE (30 million euros), has decided to plan for an additional management body with its own budget (estimated at 100 million euros).
Regarding the recovery plan, two billion will be invested in the coming years (plan 2021-2023 and 2024-2026). The Metropolis plans to take full advantage of this financial input (at least largely) through national subsidies within the framework of the European Recovery Plan and other regional aids.
On the subject, a verbal skirmish occurred between Christian Estrosi and the ecologist Juliette Roux-Chesnel, who strongly criticized the intervention strategies planned in the Metropolis President’s strategy.
We were treated to the usual clichés, such as “the post world” (it would be good to specify after what and when?), “the changing world” (but isn’t the world already changing every day and forever?), and other trivialities. Fortunately, we were spared the famous expression “it was better before”, which unfortunately always lacks specification: before who, what, and when?
To conclude an unnecessary diatribe, Christian Estrosi labeled himself an “ecologist of growth,” while labeling his opponent as an “ecologist of degrowth.” Boh…
Another highlight of the session was the presentation of the new ANRU (National Agency for Urban Renewal) plan, particularly the interventions planned for the Moulins, Ariane districts, plus the city center, to which Les Liserons has just been added (in the regional framework). Enriched with a 350 million euros budget, this plan should complete the “reconquest” objective, always announced but which remains always initiated and/or incomplete.
The Sustainable Development Report with actions undertaken and indicators in terms of the environment, economy, and social matters was also presented and illustrated.
Finally, in a jumble: three million were allocated to the Metropolitan Tourism Office, 300,000€ to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance the business aid plan, and a contribution is planned for the digitalization of small businesses.
Last but not least… confirmation of the 200 euro subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle and 100 euros for a “muscle-powered” machine.*
To conclude, the Metropolitan Council unanimously voted for a motion supporting the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and calls for the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh.
A nod to the Armenian community residing in Nice.
