Overview
- Prosecutors in Marseille confirmed a preliminary investigation was opened but declined to specify the suspected offenses.
- Former regional prefect Georges‑François Leclerc filed the Article 40 referral on September 15, 2025; he now serves as the president’s chief of staff.
- The allegation targets an early‑2025 purchase of modular classrooms without competitive bidding to house pupils after reconstruction delays, with internal legal warnings reported.
- Spem, a 50/50 State–City vehicle for the €1.5 billion Plan Marseille en Grand, approved the acquisition on February 25, 2025 under chair Mayor Benoît Payan, with Leclerc present and the vote reported as unanimous.
- The City says it learned of the referral from the press and has also contacted the prosecutor, while opponents demand explanations during the municipal campaign and some call for Payan to withdraw.