A coalition of 119 mayors from the Bouches-du-Rhône department has issued a stark warning to the French government regarding the proposed 2027 budget. Frustrated by planned cuts to state allocations for local municipalities, these elected officials have threatened to disrupt the organization of the presidential election scheduled for April and May 2027. While the threat is described as more symbolic than realistic, it underscores the deep anger among local leaders concerning the financial strain placed on their communities.
In a letter dated October 15 addressed to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Economy Minister Roland Lescure, the mayors outlined a series of non-violent measures they claim they would be forced to implement if the finance bill is validated. The list of potential actions includes closing public services, postponing census operations, filing constitutional questions, organizing local initiative referendums, and ultimately refusing to organize the presidential election.
The correspondence, which was revealed by La Provence and reviewed by Le Monde, also mentions an extreme solution: the mayors stated they are prepared to hand over the keys of their town halls to the prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône. This collective action affects approximately 1.5 million voters in the department and highlights a recurring conflict between local authorities and the central government over funding reductions.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.