Bordeaux Métropole faces historic debt and possible state guardianship, mayor announces rescue plan

At a press conference, Thomas Cazenave, mayor of Bordeaux and president of Bordeaux Métropole, described the region's financial situation as historically severe, warning that continued overspending could lead to state guardianship. He cited an EY audit that revealed an extreme debt load and a repayment period well above the standard alert limit. To avoid intervention, Cazenave outlined a rescue plan that will demand significant reductions in operating costs, without specifying exact figures.

Former socialist presidents of the métropole, Alain Anziani and Christine Bost, defended past investment decisions in mobility and housing, while acknowledging the fiscal challenge. Bost argued that the required savings represent a modest share of the overall budget. An extraordinary metropolitan council meeting is planned for November to discuss proposals from all political groups.