President Melchior stressed that the year 2025 promises to be complex due to the national and international situation. The uncertainties linked to the 2025 finance bill and its budgetary impacts are at the heart of concerns. “If reductions are made, they will not affect social assistance,” he assured, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to families in difficulty and compulsory missions.
Calls for state support and initiatives to combat the high cost of living
During the Assises des Départements de France in Angers on November 14, Cyrille Melchior, as president of the Overseas Commission, defended two resolutions. The first proposes to expand the “Quality-Price Shield” to include durable goods and services while promoting local production. The second requires an adaptation of the “safeguard clause” of article 223-11 of the Social Security Code, in order to better support overseas communities in facing their particularities. These proposals aim to reduce territorial inequalities and strengthen national solidarity.
The president also brought the message of the specificities of Reunion to Michel Cadot, advisor to the Prime Minister, and several members of the government. The Minister responsible for Overseas Territories, François-Noël Buffet, announced that Reunion Island municipalities would be exempt from the financial efforts imposed on French communities. A ministerial visit to Réunion is planned between December 15 and 20, 2024.
Despite budgetary constraints, particularly linked to the drop in tax revenue and the increase in social security contributions, the Department intends to maintain its investments. The 2025 budgetary guidelines are structured around ten ambitions, including regional planning, ecological and inclusive transition, as well as support for public procurement.
Launch of the Citizen Institute of Learning for Public Life (ICAP)
Elected officials validated the creation of ICAP, an establishment dedicated to the transmission of institutional and cultural knowledge specific to Reunion Island. This project, which brings together a school for citizens, a school for elected officials and a school for administrative professions, will open its doors in 2025 in Saint-Denis.
Commitments against violence and for local agriculture
Two motions were adopted to denounce domestic violence and violence in colleges, in a context of strong emotion after a tragedy that occurred at Les Avirons. Furthermore, elected officials expressed their opposition to the MERCOSUR agreement, which they consider threatening for local agriculture. They call for reinforced protection of overseas sectors as part of the AGRIPEI 2030 plan.
Solidarity and innovation at the heart of priorities
Despite economic uncertainties, the Departmental Council affirms its determination to preserve social cohesion, support vulnerable populations and invest in the future of Reunion Island. Cyrille Melchior concluded by reaffirming his commitment to balanced and sustainable development of the territory, in an approach of continuity and innovation.
Damien CHAILLOT
