Local elected officials in France express concerns over severe budget cuts imposed by the government, which may threaten essential services such as policing and education. At the opening of the Congress of Mayors in Paris, several mayors, including Emmanuel Sallaberry of Talence and Samuel Hazard of Verdun, voice their frustrations over the anticipated 5 billion euros in cuts. With essential community services at risk, some mayors are considering hiring freezes and project postponements, prompting fears of a decline in public investment and growing dissatisfaction among citizens.