The Cour des Comptes has issued a critical report on the “Marseille en Grand” plan, questioning its viability and implementation three years post-launch. Only 1.31% of the promised 5 billion euros has been disbursed, revealing significant shortcomings in governance and coherence. While some projects, like school renovations, show promise, overall, the plan lacks comprehensive measures to address social divides and improve public services. The report urges for better organization, accountability, and collaboration among stakeholders.
The assessment is critical. A recent report detailing the initial phases of the ‘Marseille en grand’ initiative raises significant concerns about the project’s sustainability, initially showcased by the President of the Republic. Three years post-launch, the Cour des Comptes highlights ‘indigent’ oversight of the ‘Marseille en grand’ plan.
Progress of the Plan
Progress appears sluggish. By the close of 2023, only 1.31% of the promised over 5 billion euros had been allocated by the government, as reported by Nathalie Gervais, the head of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional audit chamber. The strategy aimed to address pressing issues such as renovating decrepit schools, enhancing public transport in a city dominated by just two metro lines catering to over 870,000 residents, bridging the socio-economic gap between northern and southern districts, and boosting police presence. This initiative, which was envisioned to rectify historic delays in France’s second-largest city—home to some of Europe’s most impoverished neighborhoods—was deemed ‘exceptional’ in its breadth and funding. However, according to the Court, ‘the purported exceptional and all-encompassing nature of the Marseille en Grand plan must be reconsidered.’ In reality, new co-financing comprises merely 28%—around 1.55 billion euros—of the overall pledged amount. Critics describe the plan as ‘hastily drafted’ and ‘lacking prior consultation’, indicating a ‘deficiency in overall coherence.’
Moreover, there is a ‘significant lack of formalization,’ with nothing available beyond the transcript of the President’s address on September 2, 2021. The report calls attention to the lack of a comprehensive timetable and highlights inadequacies in governance and resource management among various stakeholders, including the State, the city of Marseille under left-wing mayor Benoît Payan, and the metropolis overseen by right-wing mayor Martine Vassal.
A Potential Benefit for Marseille’s Residents
Despite these issues, Gervais highlighted on Monday that ‘this plan represents a vital opportunity for the people of Marseille,’ particularly acknowledging early successes with newly opened or renovated schools. However, the report criticizes the absence of tailored strategies aimed at enhancing the educational environment, promoting student well-being, or fostering social diversity. Regarding transport, as various local stakeholders have already indicated, the 15 initiatives outlined in the plan ‘partially fulfill the State’s declared goal of improving access to the northern districts,’ which currently lack direct connections to the city center. Additionally, the plan falls short in addressing housing needs, failing to propose actions that enhance social diversity or tackle residential segregation between the northern and southern sectors of the city. While employment initiatives focus on ‘encouraging entrepreneurship among youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods,’ there is a noticeable neglect of the broader range of individuals facing job access challenges.
Overall, the Court indicates that intrinsic and organizational flaws within the plan could hinder its ability to meet the needs it aims to address. It advocates for the establishment of ‘a contractual framework’ featuring a clear timeline and evaluation methods and urges formalized governance that unites ‘the various stakeholders under a single entity.’ Responses from the State, the mayor’s office, and the metropolis have tended to shift responsibility, with the Prime Minister’s office citing an ‘absence of consensus among local stakeholders’ and the failure of ‘local authorities to align with the plan’s ambition.’
Emmanuel Macron, who has consistently expressed his support for Marseille and has appeared frequently to promote this initiative, lamented the ‘local conflicts’ that have arisen. Unfortunately for all parties involved, this report emerges during a period of budgetary constraints. The Cour had already pointed out that due to the plan’s lack of ‘formalization,’ ‘some financing has not received legal commitment, and therefore, its future remains uncertain.’ Such uncertainty is compounded by the recent abolition of the urban policy portfolio in Michel Barnier’s government, previously held by Marseillaise Sabrina Agresti-Roubache.