Nicolas Naudet, the newly elected mayor of Soisy-sous-Montmorency in Val-d’Oise, has sparked significant controversy after overseeing a 173% increase in his own indemnity. The decision was voted on April 2 during a municipal council meeting.
A Sharp Rise in Compensation
According to records, the previous mayor, Luc Strehaiano (LR), received a monthly indemnity of 1,506 euros. Under the novel decision, Nicolas Naudet’s compensation will rise to 4,110 euros per month.
This increase has met with strong resistance from the opposition. Omar Bekare, a non-affiliated municipal council member, has denounced the measure as “shocking,” arguing that managing a commune is a service to residents rather than a profession.
Justifications and Comparisons
Mayor Naudet has defended the amount, stating that the previous mayor’s indemnity was low because he held other paid positions. These included roles as vice-president of the Departmental Council and president of the Plaine Vallée agglomeration.
Naudet further argued that fair indemnities are necessary to ensure the role of mayor is not restricted to retirees or the wealthy. He pointed to neighboring communes, noting that the mayor of Montmorency earns approximately 4,000 euros and the mayor of Saint-Gratien earns nearly 5,000 euros.
Potential Financial Implications
The opposition contends that the base indemnity is only part of the story. Omar Bekare noted that the mayor also receives monthly payments for representing the city in various syndicates and the agglomeration.
Bekare suggests that when these additional payments are added to the base salary, the total monthly indemnities could reach nearly 7,500 euros. This cumulative total is the primary point of contention for those opposing the hike.
Given the current political climate in the council, this decision may lead to further friction between the mayor and the opposition. There is a possibility that the legality of the increase relative to the population-based caps could be scrutinized further.
Frequently Asked Questions
By how much did the mayor increase his indemnity?
The indemnity was increased by 173%, rising from 1,506 euros to 4,110 euros per month.
Why does the mayor justify this increase?
Nicolas Naudet argues that the previous mayor’s pay was low due to other paid mandates and that fair compensation prevents the office from being reserved only for the wealthy and retirees.
What is the legal cap for this town’s mayor?
Based on a population of 18,000, the theoretical cap under the Code général des collectivités territoriales is 2,778 euros gross per month, though certain majorations are possible.
Do you believe municipal indemnities should be strictly capped by population, or should they be adjusted based on the cost of living and professional requirements?
