The criminal case against Edouard Philippe has sparked controversy on the administrative justice front, leading to the withdrawal of a decision by the urban community of Le Havre granting him functional protection, as reported on June 20, 2024. The investigation began in December 2023 when the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office launched a preliminary inquiry into allegations of illegal conflicts of interest, embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, and psychological harassment. The focus was on Edouard Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre, and his deputy in charge of innovation and digital technology, Stephanie De Bazelaire, who are accused of signing a multi-year objectives agreement that raised suspicions.
The affair began when a former deputy director of the community, who remains anonymous, lodged a complaint with the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office in September 2023. The complaint centered on a multi-year objectives agreement signed by Philippe and De Bazelaire in July 2020. This agreement involved LH French Tech, an association responsible for the digital city of Le Havre, which raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Following the complaint, the urban community granted functional protection to Philippe and De Bazelaire in April 2024, covering the entire legal process. However, after the matter was challenged in court by the former deputy director, the decision was later revoked.
The former deputy director filed a lawsuit with the administrative court in Rouen on June 12, contesting the unrestricted functional protection granted to Philippe and De Bazelaire. She argued that this decision was illegal and should be annulled, emphasizing that Philippe’s involvement in the decision-making process, particularly timing the vote after the police raids, could indicate a conflict of interest. The lack of in-depth analysis during the meeting regarding the circumstances of the case and potential financial implications further fueled suspicions. The former deputy director claimed that Philippe’s influence during the vote raised concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process.
The legal battle over the functional protection granted to Edouard Philippe continues to unfold, with the former deputy director challenging the decision in court. The case has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, improper influence, and lack of transparency within the urban community of Le Havre. The withdrawal of the decision to grant functional protection highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for thorough examination of the allegations against Philippe and De Bazelaire. As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both the individuals involved and the political landscape in Le Havre.
Overall, the investigation into Edouard Philippe and Stephanie De Bazelaire’s actions has sparked a legal and administrative controversy in Le Havre. The accusations of conflicts of interest, embezzlement, favoritism, and psychological harassment have raised concerns about the integrity of the local government and the decision-making processes within the urban community. The withdrawal of the decision to grant functional protection to the accused individuals suggests a recognition of potential irregularities and a commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the case. The legal battle and ongoing investigations will shed light on the alleged misconduct and the implications for the political and legal landscape in Le Havre.
