an impossible equation for mayors?

The government requires municipalities to limit their expenditure below the level of inflation, under penalty of sanctions. In Colmar (Haut-Rhin), all buses run on less polluting gas. The bill explodes nevertheless: from 300,000 euros in 2022, to 2 million to come in 2023. The mayor (LR), Eric Straumann, refuses to increase the price of the ticket, but plans to reduce the frequency. “When we see the evolution of the price of gas, we will not be able to maintain service all day under the same conditions as at present”he argues.

The increase in expenditure has been set at a maximum of 3.8% for 2023. This is less than the increase in prices. The sky is also darkening in Cergy-Pontoise, in Val-d’Oise. The outdoor swimming pool heated to 29°C will be closed from November to March. The indoor pool will go from 28°C to 26°C. “This is the first time since I was elected that I will reduce local public services”, deplores Jean-Paul Jeandon, the mayor (PS) of the town. However, he has no choice. Less virtuous municipalities would no longer be entitled to state investment subsidies. In Cergy-Pontoise, the city is counting on 1.5 million euros in grants to renovate an old square. Without a subsidy, the elected official will have to give up improving the space.