The preliminary investigation for rape and sexual assault against Jean Lassalle, the head of the Alliance rurale list in the European elections, has been closed without charges, according to the Bordeaux prosecutor’s office. The investigation, opened in the summer of 2023, focused on alleged incidents dating back to 2010. The complainant, a 45-year-old woman, claimed she was raped in a hotel in Bordeaux during the campaign for the 2010 regional elections, in which Lassalle was the head of the MoDem list in Aquitaine. After being questioned in November, the prosecutor determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal offense.
Jean Lassalle, 68, has served for two decades in the French National Assembly under various political affiliations, including the UDF, MoDem, and his own movement, Résistons!. As the mayor of the village of Lourdios-Ichère in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques for forty years, he is known as a champion of rural issues. Lassalle, a double presidential candidate, did not run in the most recent legislative elections due to medical reasons. He gained notoriety in 2003 for singing the Béarnese anthem, Aqueros mountagnos, in the Assembly, and in 2006 for a thirty-nine day hunger strike against the relocation of a Japanese factory in his constituency. Lassalle is set to lead the Alliance rurale list in the European elections alongside Willy Schraen, the president of the National Federation of Hunters.
The closing of the investigation marks a relief for Jean Lassalle, who faced serious allegations during a crucial period in his political career. The decision by the Bordeaux prosecutor’s office to dismiss the case allows him to focus on leading the Alliance rurale list in the upcoming European elections. Lassalle’s long-standing commitment to rural communities and his unorthodox political tactics have made him a notable figure in French politics. Despite the controversy surrounding the investigation, Lassalle continues to be a prominent voice for rural issues and has garnered support from various segments of the population.
The allegations of rape and sexual assault against Jean Lassalle date back to 2010 and were linked to his involvement in the regional elections in Aquitaine. The complainant, a 45-year-old woman, accused Lassalle of raping her in a hotel in Bordeaux during the campaign, which he led as the head of the MoDem list. However, after an extensive investigation, the Bordeaux prosecutor’s office determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the criminal charges, leading to the closure of the case. This decision has allowed Lassalle to continue his political career without the burden of legal proceedings.
Jean Lassalle’s political trajectory, from the French National Assembly to his current role as the head of the Alliance rurale list in the European elections, has been marked by his dedication to rural communities and his unconventional methods of political activism. As a long-time mayor and advocate for rural issues, Lassalle has garnered support for his bold stances and willingness to challenge the status quo. Despite the recent allegations against him, Lassalle remains a prominent figure in French politics and continues to be a vocal advocate for rural interests. With the investigation now closed, Lassalle can focus on his campaign for the European elections and his ongoing commitment to serving his constituents.
