Bastien Faudot, an opposition elected official (left), notes that the post-election announcement raises questions. He expects more details. He describes it as a former proactive policy implemented by the left. Faudot regrets that this initiative was not included in Meslot’s program. He criticizes the timing, appearing a few weeks after the election. He critiques the election process, saying it now feels like a hangover, damaging the value of public discourse.
Florian Chauche, an Insoumis and municipal opposition councilor, criticizes the spectacle and the degradation of public services. He questions the hundreds of thousands of euros spent on the Tour de France’s arrival and tens of thousands of euros for a concert at the Mois Givré, while public services are being cut. The 2025 audit by the Regional Chamber of Accounts (CRC) noted that to maintain this level of investment, the City of Belfort must find new margin for maneuver to improve self-financing and not rely solely on debt given its level of indebtedness. When taxes are not raised, it leads to cuts in operating expenses or increased service fees, according to Chauche and Faudot, referencing the CRC report.
Chauche also questions the method used just after the municipal elections, which was not announced. He criticizes this post-election method that has become systematic since Damien Meslot came to power. In 2014, a few months after being elected, Meslot halted the management of the Francas after-school program. In 2020, he outsourced the City of Belfort’s Social Works Committee (COS).
/2026/05/22/6a1063c1cb479726879971.jpg "Art is made to entertain, but also to warn: in Cannes, Goncourt Prize laureate Laurent Mauvignier supports the signatories of the anti")
