The political and financial context is currently very uncertain, at all levels. The government's 2025 finance bill has still not been voted on, slowed down by the dissolution of the Assembly, the late announcement of a new government and the censorship of it before the appointment of François Bayrou this Friday to post of Prime Minister. In any case, this provides for a drastic reduction in budget lines, particularly for communities. For their part, the Departments and Regions are starting to stick out their tongues*. Even before the debates on the budget which will take place on December 19, the President of the Region, Christelle Morançais, has already announced that she wants to make 100 million euros in savings on the 2025 budget, which has caused a real outcry (read our articles)*. Budget cuts which could directly impact the Saumur region. Note in particular an end to the agreement between the Region and the agglomeration for all equestrian events on the Verrie site, representing a loss of 65,000 euros. Events like the Loire Marathon and Anjou Vélo Vintage could also see their subsidies drop or disappear. The agglomeration would also be likely to lose a few pennies on the financing of the music school. “It never represents large sums, but, put together, we are more than 100,000 euros less according to the first reports, without counting the 65,000 euros around the horse. A subject that we will have to look into to find a new organization”indicates Jackie Goulet, president of the agglomeration. Nothing has been decided at the moment and we will have to wait for the decision on December 19.
“Above all, do not compensate”
In response, the president of the Saumur Val de Loire agglomeration and mayor of Saumur wishes to put three subsidies on hold. The first concerns the Loire markings. “The participation is today 50% the responsibility of the agglomeration and 50% the responsibility of the Department. Today, the Department wants this to be 80% the responsibility of the agglomeration. For the record, 5 years ago this was entirely paid for by the Department”underlines the elected official. The second grant also concerns the Department: “As part of the Anjou Festival, the community subsidizes up to 30,000 euros for 5 shows in the region. If there are fewer, we will subsidize pro rata. » Finally, the last subsidy put on hold this time turns to the Region with investment aid for the Abbey of Fontevraud. The agglomeration paid 25,000 euros per year and is now considering denouncing this agreement, which will be more symbolic than impactful. “We will continue to pay what we owe, however, we will not compensate any other community, neither in the agglomeration nor in the city. Because we don't want to play this game, but also because we wouldn't be able to. We would then have to take from our gross savings”underlines Jackie Goulet. He also regrets the methodology: “I believe that the least we can do is talk to the communities concerned before deciding. We can perhaps try to discuss things before cutting, but I'm not a regional advisor so I have nothing to say! » The president, however, intends to maintain support for the Ma Région Virtuose classical music event: “We cannot denounce the abandonment of support for the world of Culture and not support these events in return, especially since the first punished would be the people of Saumur. »
*Reread our articles:
– Maine-et-Loire. The Departments of France gather in Angers and denounce the Government budget
– Budget 2025: the effort requested from the departments will be reduced “very significantly”, according to Barnier in Angers this Friday
– Pays de la Loire. Culture, job cuts… President Morançais wants to make 100 million euros in savings
– Pays de la Loire. The culture sector feels threatened by the drop in public subsidies in 2025
