The mayor of La Seyne-sur-Mer, Nathalie Bicais, is facing serious legal challenges as she stands trial for illegal taking of interest. On April 24, 2025, the Toulon prosecutor's office requested a two-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year ineligibility sentence with immediate execution against her.
Bicais is accused of having committed two offenses of illegal taking of interest, which has raised significant concerns about her conduct in office. The trial opened on the same day, with Bicais appearing alongside a former director general of services and her current chief of staff. The allegations against her include obtaining a building permit irregularly in 2021 for renovations to her primary residence and recruiting a relative to a position as a mission manager in the town hall, which later led to that individual becoming her chief of staff in 2023.
In addition to these accusations, it has been revealed that this relative also provided Bicais with two loans of 50,000 euros each to assist in financing her real estate project. This connection has raised eyebrows and highlighted potential conflicts of interest.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Laurent Robert emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that there is a "total confusion between the personal sphere and the mandate of mayor." This statement underscores the gravity of the charges and the implications for Bicais's political career. The prosecutor's request for immediate execution of the ineligibility sentence could mean that Bicais would lose her position before any possible appeal could be processed.
The defense team for Bicais and the other defendants is expected to present their arguments later in the trial, which has already garnered significant media attention. As of now, the defendants only acknowledge that mistakes were made and are pleading good faith in their actions.
This case not only affects Bicais personally but also raises broader questions about ethics and accountability in local government. As the trial progresses, many are watching closely to see how the court will interpret the actions of the mayor and her associates.
With the prosecutor's request now on the table, the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. As the legal proceedings continue, the community of La Seyne-sur-Mer waits anxiously to see what the future holds for their mayor.
