A political thunderbolt has struck La Seyne-sur-Mer, the second-largest city in the Var department of France, as its mayor, Nathalie Bicais, faces serious legal repercussions. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, during a lengthy hearing at the Toulon criminal court, the prosecution called for a heavy sentence against Bicais for illegal taking of interests. The public prosecutor has requested a suspended prison sentence of two years, a fine of 30,000 euros, and a five-year ban from holding public office, with immediate execution of the latter.
This immediate execution means that Bicais could be suspended as soon as the court delivers its decision on May 16, 2025, without waiting for a potential appeal. If the court sides with the prosecution, she would lose her position and be barred from running in the 2026 municipal elections.
The case against Bicais revolves around two main issues. The first involves a building permit issued in August 2021, which was signed directly by the then-director general of services, Laurent Régné. The property in question belonged to Bicais herself, and the prosecutor argued that the permit did not follow the standard procedure, which typically requires municipal deliberation.
The second aspect of the case concerns the hiring of Christophe Riqueau, a close associate of Bicais, who became the chief of staff shortly after granting her a loan of 100,000 euros to finance a real estate purchase. The prosecution contends that this hiring was a clear conflict of interest, as Riqueau was effectively rewarded for his financial support.
In addition to Bicais, the prosecution has also requested sentences against others involved in the case. Régné faces six months suspended prison and a 5,000 euro fine for signing the disputed building permit, while Riqueau is looking at 18 months suspended prison, a 50,000 euro fine, and the same five-year ineligibility ban as Bicais.
The prosecutor, Laurent Robert, characterized the situation as a troubling mix of personal and public interests, stating, "There is a total and permanent confusion between private life and public responsibilities for the mayor, who cannot bear to be told no." He emphasized that the rapid processing of the building permit application raised red flags about Bicais's conduct.
The timeline of the permit application is indeed striking: it was filed on July 22, registered on July 27, and signed by August 31, which the prosecution argues indicates an abuse of power for personal gain.
As the trial unfolded, Bicais maintained her innocence, arguing that she had not betrayed the citizens of La Seyne-sur-Mer and that the accusations against her were exaggerated. "I remain confident in the justice of my country. There was indeed a charge against me, but I have not committed the acts I am accused of," she stated after the hearing.
Her defense team has framed the case as a matter of formality rather than criminality, asserting that there was no personal enrichment involved. They argue that the accusations stem from a political vendetta rather than legitimate legal concerns. Bicais’s lawyer, Gilles Gauer, questioned the prosecution's claims of personal gain, suggesting that the case is more about procedural errors than any wrongdoing.
As the court prepares to make its ruling, the implications of the case extend beyond Bicais herself. If the prosecution's requests are granted, La Seyne-sur-Mer may soon find itself in need of a new mayor. The timing is particularly sensitive, with municipal elections just around the corner in 2026.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, with Bicais’s supporters and opponents present. The prosecutor's remarks about the "authoritarian drift" of the mayor resonated with those who have long criticized her leadership style. The case has sparked significant public interest, as many in the community await the court's decision.
This legal battle highlights the challenges faced by elected officials, particularly when personal and public interests become intertwined. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially as political scrutiny intensifies leading up to the elections.
As the deliberation date approaches, the stakes are high for Bicais, who may soon find her political career hanging in the balance. The community of La Seyne-sur-Mer is left to ponder the implications of this scandal, which could alter the political landscape for years to come.
