The mayor of Sète, François Commeinhes, resigns after his last conviction for embezzlement | EUROtoday

François Commeinhes, mayor of Sète (Hérault, varied proper), introduced his resignation Wednesday April 30 following his last conviction for embezzlement of public funds. The Court of Cassation had the truth is that the identical day confirmed the judgment of the Montpellier Court of Appeal in October 2023 sentenced him to 1 yr in jail suspended, 15,000 euros advantageous and 5 years of ineligibility.

“Democrat and republican above all, I sincerely respect this decision of justice, so disproportionate can she be on the merits. Prevented from exercising my function as mayor and president of agglomeration, I will give my resignation to the prefect ”said the former senator (2014-2017, UMP then the Republicans) of 75 years in a video posted on Facebook.

Mr. Commeinhes, mayor of the port city of 45,000 inhabitants since 2001, has instructed his first assistant, Blandine Authié, to ensure the interim of the management of municipal affairs until the prefect takes note of his decision. Within fifteen days, a municipal council must be organized in order to designate a new mayor.

Relaxed at first instance, Mr. Commeinhes had been found guilty of having signed, from 2016 to 2019, orders increasingly increasing the remuneration of the former director general of the services of the municipality, Patrice Millet, up to 99,000 euros, and the head of the real estate service, for 44,000 euros.

“Only an administrative error, voluntarily made by a dishonest one who betrayed my confidence, may have ended these phrases. This is my solely remorse ”mentioned the person who was on the head of Sète for 24 years.