Christian Estrosi unveiled the main outlines of the 2025 budget for the city of Nice, prioritizing security, the environment, and social cohesion.
Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, presented the city’s 2025 budget late last week. “In this period of instability, Nice remains an island of stability,” he stated during the press conference. The vote is scheduled for this Wednesday, December 18, at the city council.
The mayor emphasized the continuity of investments, estimated at 124 million euros. Taxes will not increase, despite a 19% rise in 2023. “Many have postponed their budget votes to January, February, or even April. I have always said we would uphold and maintain our investments,” he declared. The municipal team also highlights a stabilized debt at 548 million euros and a debt reduction capacity of 8.1 million per year.
Security, environment, and solidarity at the forefront
Among the main investment areas, 37.6 million euros will be dedicated to greening the city. This notably includes the extension of the green corridor and the development of new landscaped parks. Security will benefit from 11.6 million euros. Fifty municipal police officers will be recruited, and 300 surveillance cameras will be installed.
Education and culture are also among the priorities. 16.4 million euros will be allocated to culture, with projects such as the Nucéra library and strengthening grants to associations. This will include school life, with renovation and greening projects for schools. The city also announces measures to support public services and purchasing power. Service fees (canteens, museums) will remain unchanged.
Criticism of debt management
The environmental opposition criticizes the level of debt and denounces “poor management.” According to Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux, EELV municipal councilor, the city’s financial situation has “concrete and everyday consequences for the people of Nice: increased transportation costs, degradation of public services, and lack of investment in schools.”
On the other hand, Jean Moucheboeuf (Retrouver Nice) denounces an increase in debt over the past four years. “117 million euros more for the people of Nice. That represents 1,614€ per resident. We have proposed a simple measure, which is to sell the Allianz stadium to raise 80 million euros.”
Despite these criticisms, the municipal majority reaffirms its budget strategy: to continue investments while managing public finances wisely.