“Cities have balanced budgets, the government does not! » Hear in the words of Clément Rossignol Puech that local elected officials have no lessons to learn in terms of management of public funds. For the mayor of Bègles, there is therefore no question “that we are the adjustment variable of the State”.
Some 150 people took part in the mobilization meeting to defend the local public service, impacted by the budget cuts in the finance bill.
Axelle Maquin-Roy
In front of an assembly of some 150 people gathered in the Saint-Maurice room, this Saturday morning, November 9, the first Béglais magistrate wanted to do educational work. This, while within the framework of the 2025 finance law, the government plans to reduce the municipality's revenues by one and a half million euros over the next three years.
“Half a million euros is a third of the food in the municipal kitchen. Half a million euros is two childminder positions for each school in Bègles. Half a million euros means the abolition of the Cod Festival. Half a million euros is a third of the subsidies to associations,” the mayor cited examples. Choices that he describes as “unfair, going against the social bond” that the elected official refuses to consider.
“We must not give up”
Surrounded for his demonstration by elected officials from the Department, the Region and the deputy of the constituency, Clément Rossignol Puech declared himself all the more “combative” as he castigates “the tax gifts given to the richest”. He therefore calls on everyone to “not give in” and “to mobilize”.
Like the town which as of Friday evening, November 8, displayed its refusal of “the deterioration of public services” on the gates of the Town Hall. A large banner which will not fail to irritate the prefect, already annoyed by the similar initiative carried out on November 4 by the mayor of Bordeaux. Clément Rossignol Puech doesn't care and says he is ready to defy the ban.
While everyone in the audience takes stock of the impact that budget cuts would have on their daily lives, the municipality invites them to sign the petition posted online two days ago on change.org. But for everyone, a feeling of powerlessness dominates. Everyone having in mind the mobilization in the streets against the pension reform, dampened by the numerous recourses to 49.3 and recently the results of the legislative elections which saw the appointment of Michel Barnier to Matignon.
“We must not give up,” proclaims Martine Jardiné, departmental councilor for the canton of Villenave-d’Ornon. Which, relayed by the regional elected official Isabelle Taris, reminds us that “there is no useless struggle” and suggests joining a union, joining political parties, as “getting involved in associations” says the mayor. With one objective: “to restore the balance of power”. Because Loïc Prud'homme is convinced: “There are more of us who want another world. » The MP therefore urges everyone to “work collectively” and “to dismantle the ambient discourse”. The proof being provided, with this first mobilizing meeting, “that it is possible to do things differently”, he concludes.
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