In the middle of the budget debate in the National Assembly, Philippe Wahl bangs his fist on the table. The missions that La Poste has been carrying out for citizens for several years are not funded enough. The shortfall today amounts to four billion euros.
Published on 01/11/2024 08:25
Reading time: 1min
Since 1990, La Poste is no longer just mail delivery or banking. A multitude of activities and public service missions were added little by little, including land planning or various personal assistance at home, such as cleaning, childcare or gardening.
However, during a recent parliamentary hearing, CEO Philippe Wahl stressed that in six years, La Poste has spent four billion euros more than what the State paid it to accomplish these missions. In administrative language, this is called “undercompensation for public service missions”. The State delegates responsibilities but does not compensate financially to meet needs. According to Philippe Wahl, these under-compensations amount to a billion euros each year and the years add up.
At the end of September, the CEO had already stepped up to defend the postal presence contract in the territories, which finances the 17,000 La Poste branches in France. Before the Association of Rural Mayors, in Saint-Julien (Côte d'Or), he deplored a cut of 50 million euros in funding in 2024 from the State.
This new outburst from Philippe Wahl is causing a commotion in Matignon: there is no question of alienating the territories at this time. The Prime Minister's services quickly announced that the State's commitment to La Poste would be protected. Obviously, the CEO can count on the new Prime Minister. Michel Barnier makes it known that he is sensitive to the presence of public services as close as possible to citizens.
