Public Services Under Pressure: A Dramatic Take
Hello, dear readers! Buckle up, because we are heading into the profound depths of budget cuts and fiscal responsibility. Or, as we like to call it, “Whoops, we left our social responsibility behind!”
The Quite Unoriginal Plans of Our Beloved Government
So, Michel Barnier’s government unveiled its grand dreams for the finance and social security laws for 2025 on October 10. And spoiler alert: It’s mostly just waking up in the morning and realizing they forgot to feed the cat. They plan to squeeze a whopping 60 billion euros, which, as usual, will be shouldered by the hard-working employees and retirees. Because who else could possibly foot the bill?!
Cosmetic Changes or Reality Check?
The CGT (that’s the trade union, if you’re living under a rock) is sounding the alarm bells. It screams that the proposed tax hikes on the wealthiest and businesses are nothing more than theatrical flair—like a magician’s glittery cape hiding the fact that behind it, nothing is really changing. Welcome to the ‘Austerity Circus’! Step right up to see how we can trick you into thinking you’re not the main act in this funding fiasco.
Here’s the kicker: The government plans 40 billion euros in savings through cuts to public services. And ‘savings’ is just a fancy term for “Let’s stop helping people.” It’s not like we need decent public services, right? Who needs hospitals and schools when we can just ignore their existence?
Back to the Future: Savings at Our Expense
Did you know that access to care and health is becoming harder and pricier? No? Well, let’s dim the lights! The CGT breathlessly explains that the government is planning to lower Health Insurance coverage from 70% to 60% for medical consultations. It’s a classic case of “pay more to get less”—and frankly, it reminds me of my last relationship.
Pensions? What Pensions?
The bold move to freeze retirees’ pensions for six months? Wow! That’s a fancy way of saying, “We forgot you exist.” After years of hard work, you’d think they deserve a bit more than a monetary shrug. Imagine this: You’re serving up the salad at a buffet, and someone says, “Oh, you don’t need to eat. Just look at these lovely greens!” That’s retirement right now!
Public Servants: The Unsung Heroes
Let’s take a moment to applaud our public servants! You know, those individuals working tirelessly in education, health, and civil service while earning less than your average reality TV contestant. They’re essential—like toilet paper during a pandemic—but they’re starting to feel as appreciated as an umbrella at a rain dance.
CGT’s Wish List: Sounds Magical
The CGT has pulled out a magic wand! Totally unrealistic, right? They propose urgent reforms: more funding for public services (what a concept!), tax reforms guaranteeing fairness (color me skeptical!), and an end to job cuts (wishful thinking?). It’s like wishing for a unicorn in a field of horses. But let’s not pop the balloon just yet—imagine the sparkles it could create!
In Conclusion: Stand Up for Our Rights!
As we march forward into this strange land of budget proposals and social security financing, we remember that public service isn’t just a job. It’s a lifeline for communities, a safety net, and—dare I say—a moral obligation. Let’s not forget: behind these laws are people’s lives, livelihoods, and dignity. So, raise that voice, make those demands, and let’s see if we can’t shake some sense into this budgetary nonsense!
Public services exist to guarantee equality, respond to emergencies, and support our communities. So, remember, if you see someone in a suit trying to save a euro by cutting more jobs or services, give them your best “Jimmy Carr smirk”, and in your best Rowan Atkinson “Mr. Bean” voice, shake your head in disapproval. Because we, the people, deserve a budget that serves us—not a magic trick that leaves us all scratching our heads.
Let’s defend our status and our values!
Public servants are the backbone of solidarity. Just because they aren’t flashy doesn’t mean they aren’t essential—much like a good British humor, it may not be loud, but it’s deeply appreciated! Stay savvy, stay informed, and let’s keep the pressure on!
On October 10, the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier unveiled its proposed finance and social security financing laws (PLFSS) for the year 2025. As previously indicated, the government is initiating a substantial effort valued at 60 billion euros, with the majority of this burden falling disproportionately on employees and retirees.
It is unjust for everyday workers to shoulder the financial consequences of the deficit accrued over the past seven years, which has primarily benefited large corporations, their shareholders, and top executives.
Although the government has announced tax increases targeting affluent individuals and corporations, the CGT condemns these measures as mere cosmetic changes that obscure the reality of upcoming austerity decisions that will negatively impact the lives of workers.
The CGT advocates for a different approach, emphasizing the possibility of creating an alternative budget and establishing a truly supportive social security system:
Invest massively in our public services and infrastructure to secure a brighter future;
Position the budget to support a strategic reindustrialization plan for the nation;
Carry out a tax reform aimed at fostering greater equity, which should include:
Reinstating taxes on corporations (corporate tax and CVAE), imposing deterrent taxes on dividends and share buybacks, reintroducing the wealth tax, enhancing the progressivity of income tax, eliminating VAT on essential goods, combating fraud and tax evasion (an estimated 90 billion euros lost annually), and linking 175 billion euros of public aid to businesses with strict conditions;
Meet the genuine needs of our social security system and secure revenue through contributions;
Reassess the 80 billion euros in exemptions from social contributions (increased by 20 billion euros since Emmanuel Macron’s administration);
Repeal the recent pension reform.
The government has disclosed an array of regressive measures meant to generate 40 billion euros in savings. This comes at a time when public services are already running on fumes, and it includes:
5 billion euros in cuts alongside the non-replacement of retiring employees across local authorities;
A net loss of 2,200 jobs in the Civil Service, masking a staggering total of 4,000 job cuts in National Education, despite an already critical shortage of staff in hospitals and local sectors;
The freeze on civil servants’ salary index points for both 2024 and 2025, compounded by the fact that their salaries have plummeted by over 18% since 2010, where a mere 1% increase in the index (costing 2 billion euros) represents only 2% of the current public aid directed toward businesses. This is a line the CGT will not tolerate, given the already dire situation of our public services in crisis.
On the matter of the Social Security Finance Bill, the CGT asserts that the measures proposed will first harm employees and retirees.
Social security is an indispensable right for all workers. To undermine it is to jeopardize fundamental rights to health care and access to medical services.
The CGT firmly opposes the freeze on retirees’ pensions for a period of six months, which translates to a wallet-sapping reduction of 200 to 300 euros annually. Following a reform that extended the retirement age by two years, imposing further austerity is simply unacceptable.
Moreover, the CGT expresses deep concern over the absence of any initiatives aimed at adequately caregiving for our elderly population. There is an urgent need for robust resources allocated to public services in order to provide dignified support for elderly citizens. As territorial agents, we carry a significant responsibility in managing and enhancing our municipalities, departments, and regions. We are engaged in countless public service endeavors that significantly improve the daily lives of citizens and ensure the smooth operation of our communities.
The CGT NMCA demands:
An immediate raise of the index point to 6 euros, its indexing to inflation, and a complete overhaul of the salary structures;
The immediate initiation of measures to eradicate professional inequalities between genders;
The prompt hiring of civil servants to guarantee a quality public service that meets community needs;
The reevaluation of compensation plans across our three entities;
The allocation of dedicated days of leave for all agents to accommodate the challenges of their work schedules;
A more genuine and realistic calculation of advancement ratios and filling of all open positions;
The introduction of teleworking allowances for all relevant agents;
The monetization of Time Savings Accounts for agents who are dismissed or face automatic retirement due to incapacity;
The sponsorship of daily allowances for agents under the general social security framework (covering sectors like catering, entertainment, and culture) during work stoppages;
The repeal of the Civil Service transformation law and the abandonment of the Guérini bill.
We are public servants and local contractors within the Nice Town Hall, the Metropolis, and the CCAS, dedicated every day to serving our community in various areas: Childhood: education, entertainment, school meals, early childhood services, etc.;
Solidarity: nursing homes, social services, community centers, shelters for those in precarious situations, etc.;
Leisure: libraries, opera houses, sports facilities, AnimaNices, museums, and conservatories, etc.;
Infrastructure development: parks, waste collection, cleanliness, road maintenance, ports, and cemetery services, etc.;
Community support: municipal police, civil registries, victim assistance, building permit processes, and accessibility for persons with disabilities, etc.
Territorial public services are vital, forming the backbone of local solidarity. They ensure that every citizen can access the same rights and quality services, whether in education, healthcare, or security.
In times of emergencies, such as health crises or natural disasters, public services play an essential role in helping communities navigate challenges;
Additionally, public services must continue to innovate and evolve to enhance citizens’ daily lives.
Let’s defend our status and values. Today, many face tough working environments, reforms threatening job security, and a lack of acknowledgment. Our union remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for your working conditions, salaries, and the preservation of a quality public service.
TERRITORIAL PUBLIC SERVANTS, INDISPENSABLE FOR THE COMMUNITY!
“Public servants respond to the needs of the future.”
Anicet Le Pors, former Minister of the Civil Service, father of a unified civil servant status with its three components.
Social services; Health: public health initiatives, elder care; Environment: waste management, urban planning; and Safety: law enforcement, emergency services. Our work is crucial for maintaining the fabric of our society, yet we are often forgotten in budget discussions and policy decisions.
The CGT firmly believes that the draft finance and social security laws present significant challenges that need to be addressed promptly. We urge everyone to recognize that these proposed cuts and freezes on vital services and benefits are not simply budgetary measures—they are decisions that will impact real lives. The fight for fair treatment of all workers, retirees, and public servants is one that must be taken up by each of us.
We call on our communities to rally together and demand a budget that reflects our shared values: compassion, equity, and a commitment to public well-being. The future of our public services depends on our ability to advocate for the changes necessary to create a society that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
In these challenging times, let’s remind ourselves that solidarity is our greatest strength. By standing together, we can push for a government that honors its commitments and upholds the rights of its citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.
So let’s stay engaged, speak out, and push back against a system that seems bent on prioritizing profits over people. Let’s insist on a budget that invests in us all—a budget that reflects the true needs of our communities and uplifts those who serve them.
**Together, we are stronger! Let’s defend our rights and the essential services that sustain our society!**
