Municipalities in Marseille: investigation into possible proxy fraud at Les Républicains

Martine Vassal has been appointed by Les Républicains to run for the Marseille town hall during the 2020 municipal elections. GERARD JULIEN / AFP

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The candidate Les Républicains (LR) for the mayor of Marseille, Martine Vassal, is shaken by suspicions of fraud in the proxy voting. A search took place this Saturday June 13 at his local campaign.

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From our correspondent in Marseille, Stéphane Burgatt

The reports and press articles disseminated this week caused a stir in the race for mayor of Marseille . After two reports from France 2 and Marianne relating to irregularities, searches took place this Saturday June 13 at the campaign headquarters of the candidate of the Republican right , Martine Vassal. A preliminary inquiry was opened two weeks before the second round of the municipal elections .

The authorities are certainly looking for possible irregular proxies, that is to say, not validated in the presence of a judicial police officer as required by law.

The various candidates for mayor of Marseille were quick to react to the affair. The far right speaks of "  assassination of democracy  " while the head of the left list, Michèle Rubirola, says she is "  scandalized  ". For the moment, there has been no complaint, only official referrals from the mayor and the prefect.

An eventful campaign

Requests have been made to cancel all powers of attorney or only those considered to be questionable. Citizen control has even been announced on the initiative of Printemps Marseillais, the union list of the left. All powers of attorney already filed with the town hall should therefore be reviewed.

The outcome of this eventful electoral campaign, marked by the non-candidacy of the outgoing mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, the massive abstention and the arrival at the top of the left list in the first round, is completely uncertain.

► Listen: Reportage France - Municipales 2020: after Gaudin, tough battle in Marseille

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  • France
  • 2020 municipal elections
  • French politics

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