Meeting on Thursday, September 10, the elected members of the territorial council adopted the 2026 supplementary budget with 11 votes in favor, 4 against, and 3 abstentions. This amended budget incorporates, in particular, the 2025 results and several adjustments to revenues and expenditures.
The 2026 supplementary budget complements the initial budget approved in March, which totaled €276,3 million. Following the closing of the 2025 accounts, the local authority has a cumulative operating surplus of €35,94 million. Part of this sum, €17 million, is allocated to investment to cover financing needs. The remaining €18,94 million is carried over to operating expenses. The supplementary budget balances at €62,63 million for operating expenses and €12,32 million for investment, bringing the total 2026 budget to approximately €351,2 million.
The supplementary budget has crystallized the disagreements over the financial situation of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin (COM). The opposition denounced the increase in expenses (€3,64 million), the loss of €8 million in fuel tax revenue, a cash flow deemed fragile, and investments that have sometimes not been made. “The truth is, there's no money left,” declared Gibbs, specifically mentioning Air Antilles (provisions of €20,94 million). The majority, on the contrary, maintains that it is controlling its spending, justifies the adjustments, and defends the resources committed to strengthening services and preparing for investments. “The essential thing is that we don't exceed the limits (...), in the meantime, we can work by manipulating the figures,” replied President Mussington. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of Saint-Martin (CESC) had, for its part, issued a favorable opinion with observations, notably calling for sustained vigilance regarding savings and cash flow and for a more detailed multi-year financial strategy.
