Mayors warn Ayrault on cuts

MAYORS have attacked Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and demanded that he “change his way of working” after upset at the government’s sudden announcement of a second cut in state funding for councils.

Leaders of the l'Association des maires de France (AMF) met him for an hour-long “in-depth” discussion on local finance after ministers had revealed a further reduction of €750 million in funds in 2014 and 2015 – meaning a €4.5 billion of cuts in 2013-2015.

AMF president Jacques Pélissard (UMP) and vice-president André Laignel (PS) told him they had not appreciated the “lack of consultation” which had angered councillors and other elected officials.

Coming alongside the previously announced cuts and the major increase in costs linked to the changes in the school timetable Mr Pélissard said it would hit aid for welfare and other groups and also impact on public investment.

Ayrault will meet AMF officials again on March 12 for further discussions on local funding.
Photo: jmayrault