Perquisitions are currently taking place at the town hall of Le Havre and at the headquarters of the Le Havre Seine Métropole urban community, as part of a preliminary investigation opened by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office in December 2023. The investigation is targeting the mayor of Le Havre, Edouard Philippe, his deputy in charge of innovation and digital technology, Stephanie de Bazelaire, and the general director of services of the urban community, Claire-Sophie Tasias. The former Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, who is reportedly preparing for a presidential candidacy in 2027, may be affected by these investigations, which have been entrusted to the territorial directorate of the judicial police in Rouen.
A complaint was filed with the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office in September 2023, alleging “illegal taking of interests, misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, extortion, and moral harassment.” The complaint was filed by Judith, the former deputy general director of the urban community, whose fixed-term contract was not renewed by Edouard Philippe in April 2023. The complaint named Edouard Philippe, Stephanie de Bazelaire, and Claire-Sophie Tasias. When contacted by Le Monde, Edouard Philippe, Stephanie de Bazelaire, the city of Le Havre, and the urban community did not respond.
The core of the complaint revolves around suspicions of circumventing public procurement rules in connection with a multi-year objective agreement signed on July 30, 2020, by Edouard Philippe as the president of the urban community, and Stephanie de Bazelaire as the volunteer president of LH French Tech. Under this agreement, the urban community tasked the association LH French Tech, led by Stephanie de Bazelaire, with animating and operating the digital city of Le Havre. LH French Tech, whose headquarters are located at the home of the elected official, is dedicated to digital professions, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The investigations at the town hall of Le Havre and the urban community’s headquarters are part of a broader inquiry into alleged misconduct by the mayor, Edouard Philippe, and other officials. The investigation, which involves allegations of illegal taking of interests, misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, and moral harassment, poses potential legal and political consequences for Edouard Philippe, who is reportedly eyeing a presidential candidacy in 2027. The complaint was initially filed by Judith, a former deputy general director of the urban community, who was not renewed in her position by Edouard Philippe in April 2023.
The case involves suspicions of irregularities in public procurement procedures related to a long-term agreement signed by Edouard Philippe and Stephanie de Bazelaire. The agreement tasked the association LH French Tech with operating the digital city of Le Havre, raising concerns about the allocation of public funds and potential conflicts of interest. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to shine a light on the inner workings of the Le Havre municipal government and the urban community, exposing possible misconduct and ethical breaches. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Edouard Philippe’s political future and reputation, as he faces allegations of misconduct and misuse of public resources.
