The “process” of the Macron law, concerning the privatization of Nice Côte d’Azur airport, landed at the Departmental Council this afternoon. After a call to vote, the result was expected.
It was no surprise that the Departmental Council, presided over by Eric Ciotti, voted “for” the privatization of the airport.
The communist opposition, loyal to old habits of state control over means of production, would have preferred the status quo, or even its return to public hands, but the overwhelming and disciplined departmental majority followed in unison the will of its president.
Having already been the subject of several debates and communications, the decision was made before the holidays. Consequently, the Alpes-Maritimes department will cede 4% of its shares out of the 5% it holds. This is expected to bring in a sum of 80 million euros.
“This sum will be a carrier of the future,” explains Eric Ciotti. “It will be reinvested primarily in two main areas.” First, it will partially be used for reducing the department’s debt, then for stabilizing investments.
But not only that, since this “dynamic fund” will be distributed across several projects.
Another portion will be allocated to a school safety plan: “Alert buttons, video surveillance, mediators in front of schools…”
In total, 6 million euros will be invested over the course of this year and 4 million in the first half of 2017.
Then, a participation will be engaged in a “Departmental Scheme for Children and Families.” A project aimed at helping children and families in difficulty amid economic, social, and human challenges.
Moreover, last year’s floods “which caused the death of more than 20 people” remain etched in memories. That’s why the department will allocate 11 million euros, which will be used to create a territorial public basin establishment to prevent such events from happening again.
Finally, within the framework of territorial solidarity, certain associations will also receive aid. Specifically, the “Promenade des Anges” association, founded after July 14, which provides specific assistance to victims, directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy. The association will receive 20,000 euros.
The sum brought in by the sale of the airport should, among other things, revive and develop the economy of the Alpes-Maritimes department. Other projects should therefore materialize soon.
