Jean-René Cazeneuve, a French MP from Gers, has released a report confirming the robust financial health of local municipalities, contradicting the concerns expressed by several mayors. With local elections approaching, Cazeneuve asserts that the main financial indicators for municipalities remain promising when compared to the years 2024 and 2019, the latter being a benchmark year prior to the crises. He cites data from the public finances department that aligns with the overall favorable evaluation by the Cour des comptes for 2024.

According to the report, the gross savings of municipalities and intermunicipalities have increased by 1.9% year-on-year, amounting to 21.7 billion euros, while net savings—after debt repayments—remained nearly unchanged, with a slight increase of 0.1% to 12.3 billion euros. These statistics are crucial as they provide not only a snapshot of the financial condition of French municipalities but also challenge the prevailing narrative among certain local leaders, suggesting that their financial struggles might be overstated.

As the local elections draw near, Cazeneuve’s report may serve as a significant talking point in political debates, allowing candidates to position themselves positively concerning fiscal management and local governance. This could influence voter sentiment, particularly if candidates are perceived to manipulate financial realities to their advantage or fail to address the genuine fiscal challenges that some communities may face, thus setting the stage for a contentious electoral season ahead.