We will not revisit this story about which we would have preferred not to comment: A classic case of “vulture” capitalism, as President George H.W. Bush* defined the early applications of this predatory economic-financial formula favoring shareholders alone at the expense of society and employees.
The outcome of the Nice-Matin group crisis involving its more than 1,000 employees is, however, in the hands of the Commercial Court members who will have to decide, in the coming days, between the presented offers.
As already mentioned, despite the confidentiality of the files, the two proposals likely to draw attention for the awarding of the precious pass are that of the Belgian Rossel group (whose expertise is undisputed) and the employee’s Scop-Scic.
There is no doubt that the Belgian press group is robust (it publishes the daily newspapers Le Soir and La Voix du Nord) and has the capacity to restructure a press group in dire need of it.
The employees’ proposal, an act of courage and responsibility, demonstrates the willingness to take control of their own destiny and aligns with the law on the social and solidarity economy: It answers “yes” to the question of whether there is an alternative to capitalism.
The financial fragility of the employees’ proposal (as it is necessary to provide the Commercial Court with assurances so that the offer is not reckless but based on solid positions and strong assets) has just been reinforced by the support of the PACA Region, which recently decided on a zero-interest loan of 2 million and facilitated the intervention of public investment funds for an additional 5 million.
A significant boon that strengthens the financial aspect and could tip the balance toward the Scop-Scic, which has the support of the political and trade union world.
However, this operation, led by Ladislas Polski (with the majority) with Gérard Piel’s (FdG) support, did not receive backing from either the UMP group or the FN.
It is understandable for the latter, which is known to oppose everything even without reason, but why this UMP abstention when we know that the two strong men of this party in the Alpes-Maritimes continuously support and encourage the employees?
Moreover, none of the two local authorities has reached into their pockets to assist the Scop, even though the new law on the Social and Solidarity Economy allows for equity participation?
The formal response is barely credible and hardly admissible: This aid would suggest non-compliance with free competition rules! What sophistry…
Even if one can say whatever they want, even absurdities, one cannot claim to be believed. What could possibly be the mysterious reason for this attitude, which could have (the deliberation was voted by the majority) negatively impacted the employees’ proposal?
As we know, the Rossel proposal is supported and integrated with the financial assistance of two real estate groups: the Monegasque Mazzocco and Safa, which apparently has property interests in Mandelieu.
We’ll stop there, for lack… of imagination. “Follow the money” remains a good investigation rule that helps understand the problems and their originating causes.
