Multiple Judicial Investigations Target French Local Politicians Amid 2026 Municipal Campaigns

Several French local politicians are currently under judicial scrutiny for alleged corruption and misconduct, casting a shadow over the 2026 municipal elections.

In Marseille, a preliminary investigation was launched after Georges-François Leclerc, former prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, filed a complaint against the management of a €1.5 billion school renovation plan, co-led by the city and the state. The Société publique des écoles marseillaises (Spem) faces accusations of favoritism in contract awards, notably involving the Saint-André school, which has seen reconstruction delays. Mayor Benoît Payan has demanded transparency and reported the matter to the public prosecutor.

In the southeastern town of Fréjus, David Rachline, outgoing mayor and National Rally (RN) figure, was acquitted of illegal interest charges related to his roles in mixed-economy companies, yet the prosecution has appealed the decision. Rachline, who is seeking a third term, also faces a September trial for favoritism over a friend’s security company contracts and is under investigation by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office for corruption allegations.

Meanwhile, Mont-de-Marsan Mayor Charles Dayot is subject to three separate investigations transferred to the Pau prosecutor’s office. These involve driving without a license, alleged moral harassment of a former city official, and suspicion of illegal interests concerning a municipal building sale to a company linked to his former associate. Dayot denies wrongdoing and characterizes the inquiries as politically motivated “smear campaigns” ahead of elections.

These cases highlight intensifying judicial probes into local governance as political campaigns unfold, with politicians facing serious accusations amid calls for accountability and transparency.