Under budget pressure, some French municipalities are selling off their assets. The courts are located on Leboncoin and abandoned schools are sold at rock-bottom prices. Elected officials are sounding the alarm that this crisis management is weakening communities and raising questions about the future of public services.
In Haute-Marne, the president of the departmental council, Nicolas Lacroix, did not hesitate to put the courthouse, the gendarmerie and even the prefecture up for sale Leboncoin. an alleged provocation to denounce the bloodshed imposed by the government: “Manny departments can no longer close the 2024 budget,” he told BFMTV. These sales must fill a hole of 50 million euros. But at what cost? According to elected officials, these transfers are just a bandage on a hemorrhage.
In La Rochelle the municipality has already raised one million euros by selling the old municipal treasury building. By 2025 another seven municipal buildings should disappear from the collective heritage to replenish the coffers by 15 million euros. ”These real estate sales were carried out above all to reduce the maintenance costs of some buildings, which were no longer used”, underlines Guillaume Marbotte, city councilor, with challenges.
This emergency does not spare small communities. In Bourganeuf, in Creuse, the ancient court is for sale for 30,000 euros. But without a buyer the building deteriorates. A renovation, estimated at 500,000 euros, is out of reach. The State must review its copy, because soon there will be little left to welcome citizens.
– What are the long-term effects of asset sales on public services in French municipalities?
Interview: The Impact of Asset Sales on French Municipalities
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we discuss the controversial trend of French municipalities selling off public assets under budget pressure. Joining us is Dr.Catherine Dupont, a public policy expert with extensive knowledge of local governance in France. Thank you for being here,Dr. Dupont.
Q: Dr. Dupont,can you explain why french municipalities are resorting to selling their assets?
A: Absolutely. The financial strain on many local governments in France has become increasingly severe.With the 2024 budget looming, elected officials like Nicolas Lacroix from Haute-Marne feel compelled to sell essential public properties, such as courthouses and gendarmeries, often using platforms like Leboncoin. This is primarily to cover meaningful budget deficits, in lacroix’s case, a whopping 50 million euros. The pressure to balance budgets leads to these drastic measures that raise numerous concerns about the sustainability of public services.
Q: What are the implications of such actions for local communities?
A: The implications are profound and worrying. While these asset sales may provide short-term financial relief, they effectively weaken the fabric of local communities. By selling off ancient or civic buildings, municipalities risk losing their cultural heritage and local identity. Moreover, it raises questions about the future of public services. Elected officials warn that simply selling assets is like putting a bandage on a hemorrhage; it addresses immediate financial needs but neglects long-term structural issues.
Q: We’ve seen municipalities like La Rochelle raising significant funds from asset sales. What can other towns learn from this?
A: There are lessons to be learned, indeed. La Rochelle’s approach, where the city council sold the old municipal treasury building for one million euros with plans to generate 15 million through additional sales, shows that maintaining openness and engaging the community can foster trust. However, it’s essential that such sales are accompanied by a broader strategic plan—towns should consider the future implications of losing their properties instead of solely focusing on immediate financial gain.
Q: In smaller communities like Bourganeuf, similar asset sales are happening. What challenges do they face?
A: smaller towns face unique challenges. As a notable example, Bourganeuf’s ancient court is valued at only 30,000 euros, yet the cost of renovation is far beyond what the community can afford. This cycle of neglect can lead to a greater deterioration of these buildings, which could ultimately result in a loss of public assets with historical importance. Moreover, these communities often lack the resources to attract buyers, compounding their financial troubles. They need targeted support from the state, not just a reliance on asset liquidation.
Q: What advice would you give municipalities grappling with budget shortfalls?
A: Municipalities should explore more sustainable fiscal policies rather than immediate asset sales.This can include seeking innovative revenue streams, investing in community projects that attract tourism, or fostering partnerships with private enterprises to share costs and responsibilities. Additionally, engaging in open dialogues with citizens about budget constraints can lead to more holistic solutions. Prioritizing community needs while navigating financial challenges is crucial for long-term viability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights.It’s clear that while selling assets may provide temporary relief, the broader implications could reshape the identity and functionality of communities across France.
