New Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire faces social media backlash over a proposed 25% increase in his and other officials' indemnities. Critics decry the move amid economic crisis, but the city claims it continues practices from Anne Hidalgo's tenure.
Emmanuel Grégoire, Anne Hidalgo's successor as Paris mayor, promised during the municipal campaign to save 400 to 500 million euros over his term. Yet a vote is planned at the Paris Council to raise functional indemnities by 25%, lifting the mayor's from 7782 euros to 9727 euros, those of Paris Council arrondissement mayors to 6602 euros, and deputies' to 5960 euros.
Sarah Knafo expressed surprise on X: "In the middle of an economic crisis, Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire awards himself a +25% raise." Paul Hatte, DVD deputy for the 16th arrondissement, noted learning of the vote and stated "the law specifies it is not mandatory," in a since-deleted post.
The measure is based on article L 2123-22 of the General Code of Local Authorities, applicable to Paris. The City of Paris states it was already in effect under the previous term and is merely being renewed, with no real increase. Lamia El Aaraje, first deputy, decried the critics' "rank populism" and affirmed: "Neither the mayor, nor his deputies, nor Paris Council members will receive 1€ more per month."
Despite these clarifications, some social media users continue criticizing the decision given the city's debt and ongoing French budgetary efforts.
