In Indre, where does the Department's 312 million go?

In the midst of a national fog, the Indre departmental council tried, this Friday, January 17, 2025, to lay down benchmarks for stability. On the agenda: the vote on the initial 2025 budget. A “big baby” of 312 million euros, up 6% compared to last year, intended to reassure citizens and continue the modernization of the territory. The departmental majority has made it a symbol of “ambitious pragmatism”. The opposition, for its part, points to a lack of momentum.

“Undertaking beyond the expected minimum”

“Where some fall back, we move forward”proclaimed Marc Fleuret, president of the Department, defending a “pragmatic and responsible budget”. The figures put forward are dizzying: €78 million in investments (+19%, compared to 2024) and €234 million in operating expenses (+3%). Nearly 164 million are dedicated to human solidarity, or 70% of operating expenses. But the majority hammer home a message: each euro is weighed to maintain the financial balance of the Department.

Solidarity and infrastructure: the two pillars

At the epicenter of these expenses therefore: human solidarity. An envelope of €29 million is dedicated to children and families, €44 million to the elderly, €36 million to people with disabilities and €38 million to integration. “This is the protective mission of our community”underlined Régis Blanchet, general budget rapporteur.

The other pillar of this budget concerns infrastructure, with a marked increase in investments. The Villedieu-sur-Indre diversion alone will absorb €28 million and its entry into service is planned for the end of 2025. Colleges are not left out: €17.5 million will be invested in the La Fayette establishments in Châteauroux, Condorcet in Levroux and Frédéric-Chopin in Aigurande. Studies are launched for the construction of a new college in Buzançais. Finally, €3 million will be devoted to adaptation to climate change, a component that President Fleuret describes as“essential for a sustainable department”.

François Avisseau, opposition spokesperson, adopts a measured but critical tone. If it recognizes by the majority a management “healthy”he regrets a policy which “manages what exists to a minimum, without transformative ambition”. According to him, the Department “lack of vision to deal with economic, health and demographic decline” of Indre. He pleads for experimentation, for bolder initiatives in terms of renewable energies, the fight against inequalities and access to care, in short, “to undertake beyond the expected minimum. »

Tense debates and political barbs

The exchange became tougher when François Avisseau tackled the majority of“immobility”in the middle of a session, on social networks. Annoyed, Marc Fleuret replied: “Our investment budget is increasing sharply, with structuring projects. We act for children, for roads, for greenways. Who is talking about immobility? I can't hear it. »

Gil Avérous, departmental councilor and president of Châteauroux Métropole, did not mince his words: “The left is critical, but what about their position at the regional level (following the reduction in regional subsidies at the cultural level, Editor’s note)? They should sweep in front of their door. » He also regretted that the opposition did not sufficiently recognize the progress made by the majority.

François Avisseau, imperturbable, replied with aplomb: “Yes, we have differences. But when it's good, we say it. I notice, however, that when it suits you, you insist on the good financial health of the Department to justify your choices, whereas these same finances should allow you to do much more. Besides, we have lots of ideas, we give them to you and you don't take them back. »

This initial budget reflects the economic and political tensions of the moment. Between caution imposed by the uncertainty of revenues and a stated desire to move forward, the majority tries to maintain a fragile balance. The opposition, for its part, strives to keep the debate alive and present alternatives. In this quiet confrontation, Indre traces its path, without fanfare, but with constancy. Will this momentum be enough to prepare the future of the territory? The answer is now emerging in 2025.