Should Geneva pay for cross-border commuters’ mobility? Pierre Maudet and Mauro Poggia offer opposing visions of France’s role

Geneva is preparing to put 39.5 million Swiss francs behind mobility projects in neighbouring France, but two prominent Geneva politicians disagree sharply over whether the canton should pay.

The proposed credit would help finance the construction and expansion of park-and-ride facilities, extend the tram line that crosses the Nations district into France and create priority lanes for buses. The project is backed by the cantonal government and a broad majority of Geneva’s political class.

The MCG is the exception. Le Temps brought together Pierre Maudet, the State Councillor responsible for mobility, and Mauro Poggia, the MCG member of the Council of States, to debate the issue. The two men served together on Geneva’s executive from 2013 to 2021 and continue to defend Geneva’s interests at the federal level, but they now present sharply contrasting views on France’s role in the canton’s transport policy.

Geneva residents will vote on the credit on Sept. 27. The decision will determine whether the canton contributes to transport infrastructure located on French soil, including facilities intended to support cross-border mobility.