The Prime Minister is expected this Monday at the city council of his Béarnais stronghold, where he has been mayor since 2014, to discuss… the budget.
We hope that François Bayrou, who, despite his recent appointment as prime minister, seems to want to remain elected from below, will be inspired by his experience in the Pau city council. The new head of the executive has in fact found time to chair the last council of the year this Monday in his stronghold of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. For more than 10 years,the MoDem leader has been mayor of the municipality of Pau,as well as president of the urban community of Pau Béarn Pyrénées.
During this exchange,which according to the city website should take place in the early hours of the evening,the mayor will in particular have to preside over discussions regarding…the city budget for next year. The investment projects for 2025 will be debated in particular at a time when, at a national level, the adoption - although necessary – of a financial bill (PLF) in the shortest possible time appears more inextricable than ever. In addition to the heavy political task facing him, François bayrou will have to find the means to rebalance the adrift public accounts.
1,440 euros of debt per inhabitant
A mission whose spirit ironically contrasts with the municipal financial results of Béarnais. according to data from the Ministry of Economy,in fact,the residual debt of the city of Pau went from 60.2 million euros at the end of 2014 – the year in which François Bayrou became mayor of the city – to 110.9 million euros in 2023,i.e. a debt of 1,440 euros per inhabitant for this municipality (national average for municipalities between 50,000 and 100,000 inhabitants as Pau are around 1,300 euros). From the initial budget for 2024 we learn that this residual amount is expected to be 113.9 million at the end of 2024 but is expected to stabilize “before falling at the end of the period” up to 111.7 million in 2026, according to the municipal team’s forecasts. In 2023, as an order of magnitude, the operational budget of the city of Pau amounted to 113.5 million euros and its investment budget to 48.2 million euros. Its deficit, also called financial needs, reached 4.7 million euros.
Read also
Catherine Vautrin: “Local elected officials are not responsible for the country’s budget situation”
As for the community of municipalities of Pau Béarn Pyrénées, the residual debt has also increased in recent years, going from 124.4 million euros in 2017 to 187.5 million euros per year last. This increase is partly attributable to a multi-year investment plan. “ambitious”mentioned in the agglomeration’s budget guidance document for 2025.
” data-script=” >
What are the key factors influencing local budget decisions in governance today?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Local Governance Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special segment discussing local governance and budget management. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sophie Dupont, an expert in public governance and local budgets. Dr. dupont, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sophie Dupont: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this vital topic.
Editor: So, as we know, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit his Béarnais stronghold on Monday to discuss the budget with the city council. Why is this meeting notably meaningful for local governance?
Dr. Dupont: This meeting is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the Prime Minister’s direct engagement with local issues—it’s a reminder of the importance of federal attention to local governance. Moreover, budgets are not just numbers; they represent priorities and resources allocated to the community’s needs. Such discussions can greatly influence how local projects are funded and whether necessary services are maintained.
Editor: Absolutely. What challenges do city councils face when it comes to crafting their budgets, especially in these times?
Dr. Dupont: One major challenge is balancing limited resources with the growing demands of the public. Manny city councils are experiencing increased pressure to provide complete services, including infrastructure improvements, public safety, and social services, while also dealing with potential cuts in funding from higher levels of goverment. Navigating these realities requires not only financial acumen but also strategic planning and community engagement.
Editor: That makes sense. Given that the Prime Minister has been the mayor of this area since 2014, what advantages or disadvantages does this dual role create for local governance?
Dr. Dupont: Having the Prime Minister as a former mayor can be beneficial, as it provides a direct line of communication between local and national governance. He understands the unique challenges of the community firsthand.However, it may also lead to challenges in terms of expectations. Residents might be more likely to expect immediate solutions and support, putting extra pressure on the Prime Minister when addressing local needs from a national position.
Editor: Captivating outlook! How do you see the relationship between the national government and local councils evolving in the future, especially with the ongoing discussions about budget allocations?
Dr.Dupont: I believe we will see more emphasis on collaborative governance. With complex issues like climate change, economic recovery, and public health, local councils and national governments will need to work closely together. This could mean more flexible budget frameworks that allow local councils to respond dynamically to their constituents’ needs while still being aligned with national priorities.
Editor: That sounds promising. As we wrap up, what advice would you give to local councils or city leaders facing budgeting dilemmas?
Dr. Dupont: My primary advice would be to prioritize transparency and community involvement in budgeting processes. Engaging with residents to understand their needs and expectations can lead to more informed decisions. Additionally, exploring innovative funding solutions, such as public-private partnerships, can definitely help alleviate some financial burdens. effective communication and strategic planning are key.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your valuable insights into local governance and budgeting. We appreciate your time and expertise!
Dr. Dupont: It was my pleasure! Thank you for having me,and I look forward to seeing how this upcoming meeting impacts the community.
Editor: and to our viewers, we’ll continue to follow this story closely. Stay tuned for more updates!