The Prefect of Val-de-Marne will refer the Mayor of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges to the public prosecutor in Créteil after he made a Nazi salute during a municipal council meeting on Saturday, April 20, as announced by the Prefecture on Sunday. The gesture was deemed unacceptable and the Prefecture will take action based on numerous witness testimonies. The council meeting was convened to vote on the annual budget of the commune, which has a population of 35,000 and is located about fifteen kilometers south of Paris.
The Mayor, who has been in office since 2020 and lacks a majority, had failed to pass his budget by the April 15 deadline due to a boycott by several council members. An extension was granted until the recent meeting. Tensions flared between the Mayor and an ecologist council member during the meeting, with accusations of an alliance with the far right being made. In response, the Mayor suspended the meeting and made the Nazi salute, which was repeated with words according to one of the deputies. The Mayor later apologized for his actions, claiming it was a joke and not a display of allegiance, while some called it an act of antisemitism and demanded his resignation.
The Prefecture will also involve the regional chamber of accounts in Ile-de-France to propose measures to achieve budgetary balance and finalize a budget. The incident has sparked controversy and calls for consequences against the Mayor for his actions. The situation highlights the tensions within the local government and raises concerns about the conduct of elected officials. The Prefecture’s decision to involve legal authorities reflects the seriousness of the gesture and the need to address the issue promptly and effectively to maintain public trust in the administration.
The Mayor’s actions have stirred outrage and condemnation, with different interpretations of the incident leading to conflicting opinions on the appropriate response. The incident has also raised questions about the Mayor’s leadership and ability to govern effectively. The situation may have broader implications for the political landscape in the region and could impact future elections and governance in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. The involvement of legal authorities and the regional chamber of accounts signifies a commitment to upholding democracy and accountability in local governance. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility held by elected officials and the importance of maintaining ethical and respectful conduct in public office.
