2024-11-14 21:49:00
The departments led by the right and the center announced, on Thursday 14 November, their intention to suspend the payment of the active solidarity income (RSA) and to stop caring for new unaccompanied minors, if the government does not reverse the cuts in budget planned for 2025.
“From January 1st [2025]all departments [dirigés par] the law and [le] center will suspend payments » of the RSA to the family allowance funds and “don’t take[ont] no longer responsible for new unaccompanied minors because it is migration policy”declared Nicolas Lacroix (Les Républicains, LR), president of the group of departments led by the right, the center and the independents within the Départements de France association, meeting in congress in Angers, in a press point.
“So far we haven’t said anything (…)but child protection is not a migration policy. Today, we leave unaccompanied minors to the State to manage and take care of them”he added.
Nicolas Lacroix also designs “attack the state” in court every time he makes a decision “impacting the finances of departments without their consent” and asks the government to suspend the new revaluations planned by Ségur.
“We defend the people we help every day”
At a separate press conference, the thirty presidents of left-led departments held up colorful placards explaining the impact of the planned cuts on the lives of French people.
“We are also evaluating mobilizations in our own departments”said Jean-Luc Gleyze, president of the left-led group of departments, which intends to put a large tarpaulin on the building of the Gironde department he presides over, or demonstrate.
“If today we defend the departmental budget it is above all because we defend the people we help every day”he added, specifying that the budgetary effort has been made “already done” for departments with a loss of 6 billion euros in transfer taxes in two years.
“Are we going to impact the elderly and make them pay more than they pay in nursing homes? Should we reduce the number of social workers? Should we support sports clubs less? Should we protect children less? Should the price of school lunches for middle school students be increased? »he asked.
Departments are the most affected layer of community
Departments are facing an explosion in social spending on child protection, care for dependent elderly people and disabled people, but at the same time they are seeing revenue from property transactions fall and recording less VAT than expected.
The financial law for 2025 foresees an effort of 5 billion euros for the communities, but according to the Departments of France, the departments are the most affected layer of communities, with 44% of the effort, or 2.2 billion euros, despite their economic situation is recognized as fragile.
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The departments ask the government to revise its copy by abandoning the planned operating revenue tax and freezing the VAT dynamic.
How can grassroots movements influence policy decisions regarding social services in France?
Time.news Interview: The Future of Social Services in France
Editor: Good evening, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue following recent announcements by regional leaders regarding significant budgetary changes. Joining me is Dr. Emilie Dupont, a social policy expert, to discuss the implications of these proposed cuts to social services in France. Thank you for being here, Dr. Dupont.
Dr. Emilie Dupont: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to address such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Last week, the departments led by the right and center announced their intention to suspend payments for active solidarity income (RSA) and stop caring for new unaccompanied minors if the government doesn’t reverse its budget cuts for 2025. What are the potential ramifications of such drastic measures?
Dr. Dupont: The suspension of RSA payments, particularly, is quite alarming. It would leave many families in precarious situations without essential financial support. RSA is crucial for individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, and cutting off this aid could lead to increased poverty rates and social instability. Moreover, abandoning unaccompanied minors is a humanitarian issue. These young people, often fleeing dire circumstances, would be left without protection or support.
Editor: Nicolas Lacroix, the president of the departments led by the right, pointed out that child protection is not a migration policy. What do you make of this statement, and how does it reflect the broader political discourse surrounding this issue?
Dr. Dupont: Lacroix’s statement reveals a concerning trend within political narratives that often scapegoat vulnerable populations. Child protection is fundamentally about safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable minors, regardless of their immigration status. By framing it as a migration issue, it risks diverting attention from the essential support that these children need. This reflects a broader political discourse that frequently intertwines social services with immigration, often at the expense of those who require care and support.
Editor: In response to the proposed cuts, left-led departments are mobilizing to demonstrate against these changes. Jean-Luc Gleyze emphasized the need to protect those they help daily. How critical is this grassroots response in influencing policy decisions?
Dr. Dupont: Grassroots movements are incredibly vital in affecting policy changes, especially in the current political climate. The advocacy from local leaders and communities not only raises awareness but also pressures decision-makers to reconsider the consequences of their actions. When the voices of those on the ground—who truly understand the implications of such cuts—are amplified, it can lead to significant shifts in policy direction. It reflects a commitment to solidarity and social justice that is often needed to balance the scales against economic decisions made at higher levels.
Editor: You mentioned the financial strain that departments are already under. With six billion euros lost in transfer taxes over two years and an increase in social spending, how sustainable is the current system without reallocating resources?
Dr. Dupont: The situation is indeed unsustainable without a reevaluation of resource allocations. Departments are facing competing demands: rising costs for elder care, child protection, and services for individuals with disabilities. If the state does not step in to address the financial shortfall, we risk failing to meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations. The government must find a balance between fiscal responsibility and social obligation—a tough but necessary challenge.
Editor: It seems that both sides of the political spectrum are deeply concerned about the future of social services. What do you believe is the best approach moving forward to ensure the well-being of those who rely on these services?
Dr. Dupont: We need a multifaceted approach that prioritizes dialogue between government officials and local departments, alongside meaningful community engagement. Additionally, sustainable funding models that consider the unique challenges faced by each department should be developed. It’s vital that any budget discussions consider not just numbers, but the human impact of potential decisions. Ultimately, it is about crafting a system that allows for compassion while ensuring accountability and sustainability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that the future of social services in France will require careful consideration and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss these matters, as they affect not only policy but the lives of many individuals and families.
Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for joining us on this critical discussion about social services and budgetary challenges in France. Stay tuned for more updates here on Time.news.