If one thing is certain in 2025, it’s that communities will have to tighten their belts. Because even without a budget voted by the national Assembly – however a special law will have to be presented to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday – savings will have to be made. And the rich agglomeration of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), with its 230,000 inhabitants and its 17,000 businesses (for 145,000 employees), will be no exception.
This is what its president (LR), Jean-Michel Fourgous, immediately announced. The SQY budget, which will be voted on in mid-March, would thus be cut by almost 50 million euros. “The departmental council of the Yvelines (in the throes of declining revenue) removes (Yes) 33 million and the State about ten, reveals Jean-Michel Fourgous. this is 10% of our budget of half a billion euros. »
A situation that ”forces us to question some choices”, believes the elected official. «Today,when we have multiple hypotheses (on projects),we immediately choose the least expensive one. Sometimes we are asked to compensate for the withdrawal of our usual co-financiers, but we are not a bank…”
Best wishes for 2025 “without champagne, oysters and foie gras”
The president of SQY thus cites the postponement of a real estate program in Guyancourt, the expansion of the national theater in Montigny or even the extension of earthworks on the N10 in Trappes, the bill for which would have increased from 89 to 149 million euros.
Although very symbolic, the customary greeting ceremony, scheduled for 2,000 people on January 23 at the national velodrome, will also be less lavish. “we are reducing the cocktails, there will be no champagne, no oysters, no foie gras.But we keep it because it is an vital moment of meetings and exchanges for our entrepreneurs”, explains Jean-Michel Fourgous. The departments of Hauts-de-Seine and Yvelines, however, have decided to cancel their common wishes, saving 250,000 euros.
And after 2025? When it comes to 2026, the year of municipal elections, the 71-year-old mayor of Élancourt wants – like a certain Pierre Bédier in Mantes-la-Jolie – to play extra time. He who has been at the helm of this town of 26,000 inhabitants as… 1996. “I don’t see what could stop me,” he replies with his acute sense of expression. My fellow citizens tell me that they vote for me because I speak to them sincerely and sometimes even a little too directly! Here I carry out important projects such as the police station of the future which is a national reference. But the time will also come to prepare a successor (smile).»
how is Jean-Michel Fourgous planning to support local businesses during financial constraints?
Interview with Jean-Michel Fourgous: Navigating Budget Cuts in Saint-quentin-en-Yvelines
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jean-Michel Fourgous, President of Saint-Quentin-en-yvelines. As we approach 2025, you’ve indicated that significant budget cuts are looming for your community. Can you explain the main factors driving these budgetary challenges?
Jean-michel Fourgous: Thank you for having me. We’re facing a perfect storm of financial pressures.The absence of a voted national budget—thanks to the current economic climate—has led to stringent cost-cutting requirements across multiple levels of government. In Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), this means a reduction of nearly 50 million euros from our budget, which is significant for a community of our size.
Time.news Editor: That’s a staggering amount. How will these cuts impact various projects and initiatives in the region?
Jean-Michel Fourgous: Well, the immediate impact is quite stark. We’ve had to make tough decisions about which projects to prioritize. As an exmaple, we’re postponing a real estate initiative in Guyancourt and scaling back plans for the expansion of the national theater in Montigny. Additionally, infrastructure projects like the earthworks extension on the N10 in Trappes have seen their costs balloon, which compels us to select the least expensive options when considering new projects.
Time.news editor: It sounds like the community will need to exercise significant prudence moving forward. What practical steps are you taking to manage this financial reality?
Jean-Michel Fourgous: One of our main strategies is to rethink our project selection processes. With our usual co-financers withdrawing, we cannot just act as a bank to plug funding gaps. We’re focusing on essential projects that will provide immediate benefits to our citizens and help stimulate our local economy. Additionally,we are initially scaling back on ceremonial expenditures,such as the customary greeting ceremony,which will have a simplified format without extravagances like champagne and oysters.
Time.news Editor: Given these budget constraints, how do you envision maintaining economic vitality within the SQY’s 17,000 businesses?
Jean-Michel Fourgous: It’s crucial that we create an environment that supports our 145,000 employees and the businesses they represent. Networking events and gatherings, though scaled down, will still be vital for fostering community and collaboration. We must promote economic resilience by supporting local entrepreneurs and streamlining bureaucratic processes to ensure that businesses can innovate and grow even amid tighter budgets.
Time.news Editor: Looking beyond 2025, how do you plan to position SQY for future challenges, especially with municipal elections on the horizon in 2026?
Jean-Michel Fourgous: I believe continuity and clear interaction with our citizens are essential. Over the years, I’ve ensured transparency in decision-making, which has earned the trust of the community. While we continue to work on vital projects, like our future police station, I also acknowledge that it’s time to prepare a successor who can take the reins. It’s about laying a solid foundation for the next generation of leadership and ensuring SQY remains vibrant and proactive in facing challenges.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Jean-Michel,for your insights. As communities brace for budget cuts, your perspective on prudent financial management and community engagement will surely resonate with our readers.
Jean-Michel Fourgous: thank you for the opportunity to share our story.It’s crucial for communities everywhere to stay resilient and informed as they navigate similar challenges.