Jeanny Lorgeoux, the unlabeled mayor of Romorantin-Lanthenay (Loir-et-Cher), sparked controversy by using public money to pay for expensive gourmet meals.
The elected would have spent 66,000 euros from 2017 to 2020 in a prestigious local restaurant, says
Mediapart
.
The investigation concerns funds from the funds of his city and the community of communes of Romorantinais (CCRM).
The establishment in question, "Le Lion d'or", is a starred restaurant located described as one of the best in the region by Jeanny Lorgeoux.
"When I receive people, I receive them well, it is in the sight and in the knowledge of everyone", commented the mayor, who also assured not to exceed the amount of the allowances of representation granted by the city and the CCRM.
Caviar, bottles of wine and champagne ...
The city council recognizes the existence of controversial invitations and notably including caviar, bottles of wine at 500 euros, champagne at 700 euros, menus at 145 euros. Meals were shared with local entrepreneurs or influential personalities and politicians. Jeanny Lorgeoux put forward the “interest” of these luxurious moments, which would have enabled him “to save part of what [would] cost the advertising”, he explained.
The mayor was also accused of funding 10,000 euros granted to the "Golden Lion" by the CCRM.
The aid was granted to help the restaurant "attract even more foreign customers".
Jeanny Lorgeoux considered that “gastronomic products” constituted “an instrument of public relations”.
He nevertheless confided in conceiving the criticisms aimed at him while specifying that he knew "what money represents".
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Mayor
Justice
Restaurant
Investigation
Misappropriation of public funds
Diversion