In front of the prefecture, in Arras, elected officials, members of associations and trade unionists came in large numbers, Monday December 2, 2024. A significant mobilization to refuse the announced budget cuts. There is a shortage of 67 million for the 2025 budget of the Pas-de-Calais department.
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We ask them to tighten their belts. So, they took out their tricolor scarves. At the microphone, an elected official says: “What will we have to sacrifice? Should we help the elderly or rather children in danger?”
The worry is severe. It is a cry of alarm launched by these elected officials, mayors, presidents of communities of municipalities. Everyone is concerned about the drop in state allocations, planned in the 2025 finance bill.
Gathering of elected officials in front of the Pas-de-Calais departmental council, Monday December 2, 2024.
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© E. Quinart / FTV
Same story from department officials. Bruno Ritter, general secretary of the CGT of personnel of the Departmental Council (62) explains: “Even if the government falls, the problems will still be there. If 20 or 30 million are missing, the department's finances will inevitably be impacted. This is very bad for us, civil servants, and for the residents.
Alongside elected officials, in the crowd, representatives of the associative world, culture and sport. Their survival, their future depends largely on subsidies from the department. Bernard Rosik, member of the USEP 62 sports association, cannot hide his fear at the financial efforts requested by the government. He blurted out: “We have employees to pay and actions to put in place. If we go back, we go back again, in March, April? And if we reduce our subsidies… what will become of us?
Gathered in session, the elected officials of the department voted – by a majority – on a symbolic motion. To recall their fundamental role in providing social assistance. Funding that the State compensates less and less, but which should be protected.
The vote of the Pas-de-Calais departmental council, Monday December 2, 2024.
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© E. Quinart / FTV
But it is missing 67 million euros to complete the budget of the Pas-de-Calais department next year. Its president joined the mobilization: “The risk is that we will be forced to reduce investment…”, declares Jean-Claude Leroy, president (PS) of the Departmental Council, “it is, in a way, calling employment into question and ensuring that it is threatened”.
There remains an unknown factor: will the government make it through the week? With the motion of censure examined Wednesday December 4 in Parliament… Its vote could plunge the department into even more glaring financial uncertainty…
Reportage F. Wasson / E. Quinart
Edited by Claire Chevalier
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