François Rebsamen, Minister of Regional Planning and President of Dijon Métropole, finds himself once again in the spotlight. After being highlighted by Mediapart in an article entitled: « Minister François Rebsamen has two mandates, increases his compensation and is “perfectly comfortable with that” »a song broadcast on YouTube on January 13, 2025 revives criticism against him.
A song that does not go unnoticed
Entitled “ Excess Compensation! », this song directly refers to the double remuneration received by François Rebsamen. While serving as both minister and president of the metropolitan area, the elected official continues to receive local elected compensation of 5,960 euros gross per month, increased by 52% during the metropolitan council meeting of November 28, 2024. This decision represents an additional cost of 25,000 euros per year for taxpayers.
A controversial increase
This measure provoked strong reactions. During the metropolitan council, Laurence Gerbet, member of the Agir pour Dijon group, denounced this increase as unjustified. “ A difficult decision for taxpayers to defend “, she declared. For his part, François Rebsamen responded with annoyance to the criticism, describing these interventions as « demagogy ». During the same council, he recalled that his compensation was in compliance with the legal ceilings, insisting on the fact that he no longer received compensation from the City of Dijon. Not without irony, he also mocked his opponents, speaking of a “ beau trio : David, Renaud, Gerbet ».
An advertisement that François Rebsamen would have done without
The song published on YouTube adds a cultural dimension to this controversy, transforming a political affair into a social issue. This musical satire, although recent, already seems to have resonated with the public, generating comments and reactions online. A visibility that the minister would certainly have done without, at a time when criticism of his financial decisions is already in full swing.
A political impact?
While François Rebsamen seeks to justify his choices in the face of accusations of demagoguery, this new controversy could well strengthen local and national opposition against him. The impact of this song, beyond the immediate news, could fuel the public debate on the practices of multiple mandates and the management of public finances.
Will the minister manage to overcome this media storm? One thing is certain: « Excess Compensation! » has not finished making people talk about her.
