Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet Taken into Custody as Part of Investigation into Alleged Misuse of Public Funds
The mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 9, as part of an investigation into allegations of misuse of public funds, according to a report from Le Monde. The investigation, which was opened by the Lyon prosecutor’s office, centers around the recruitment of "mission officers" by the city of Lyon.
The probe, which was initially opened in March 2024, follows a report by the regional audit chamber (CRC) that found the city’s system of recruiting mission officers did not comply with regulatory frameworks. According to the CRC, the city of Lyon has been employing far more mission officers than allowed by law, with 24 positions eliminated as a result.
Grégory Doucet was questioned by investigators as part of the inquiry into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of mission officers, Le Monde reports. The mayor’s office confirmed that Doucet had been taken into custody, but maintained that he was cooperating fully with the investigation.
The CRC report, which was published in September, found that the city’s recruitment of mission officers did not comply with regulatory requirements, and that many officers were employed in "political roles". Furthermore, the report stated that these officers were chosen and evaluated directly by city councillors, rather than the administrative hierarchy.
In response to the allegations, Doucet’s spokesperson stated that the mayor was "being heard as part of a normal stage of the investigation, to explain the functioning of the city and defend the legality of the decisions taken." The spokesperson added that Doucet was "collaborating fully with the justice system".
The investigation into alleged misuse of public funds has already resulted in the questioning of several senior municipal officials, including former mayors Georges Képénékian and Gérard Collomb, who passed away in 2023.
According to Le Monde, a total of 24 mission officer posts were eliminated following the publication of the CRC report. The city of Lyon argued that these officers played a crucial role in "the good implementation of major public policies" and were "essential to municipal action".
The Lyon prosecutor’s office initially opened the investigation following a referral from the CRC, which highlighted irregularities in the recruitment of mission officers dating back several years.
The case has raised concerns about the management of public funds and the accountability of local government officials in Lyon.
A judicial source confirmed that Grégory Doucet was being investigated as part of a probe into allegations of diversion of public funds.
The mayor’s custody is part of a wider investigation into the use of public funds by the city of Lyon.
Le Monde reports that several officials, including mayors Georges Képénékian and Gérard Collomb, have been questioned as part of the investigation.
The CRC’s report highlighted significant irregularities in the recruitment of mission officers by the city of Lyon.
Grégory Doucet’s office released a statement confirming that the mayor was cooperating fully with the investigation.
As the investigation continues, further details are likely to emerge about the alleged misuse of public funds by the city of Lyon.
This latest development is likely to raise concerns about accountability and transparency within the city’s administration.
It remains to be seen how this investigation will impact Grégory Doucet’s future as mayor of Lyon.
For more information on this story and others like it, visit Le Monde.
The issue has sparked concerns about the use of public funds in the city.
CRC found that over the years, city officials have employed many officers in "political roles".
The developments in this case will be followed closely by residents of Lyon and French citizens alike.
The city has stated it doesn’t share the CRC’s analysis.
The Lyon Mayor’s office has not provided any additional details on the reasons behind Doucet’s custody.
Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Le Monde was informed that several officers also held hearings in March.
These officers worked under mayors Georges Képénékian and Grégory Doucet.
Grégory Doucet, who was first elected in 2020, has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2026.
In response to CRC’s findings, the city stated that these officers ensured "thematic interface between services and elected officials".
CRC had looked into Lyon’s municipal staff.
