Monday, June 30, the mayor of Nice, his wife, and the president of France Télévisions were questioned as part of investigations into “embezzlement of public funds,” “illegal conflict of interest,” and “forgery of public documents.” They were released without charges at this stage. The opposition is demanding accountability.
Christian Estrosi, Horizons mayor of Nice, Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi, his wife, and Delphine Ernotte, president of France Télévisions, were taken into police custody on Monday, June 30, in Marseille. All three were questioned in connection with judicial investigations related to the organization of two events that occurred in Nice in the fall of 2023: the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the Nice Climate Summit.
The custody was lifted in the evening. The three individuals were released. No charges were filed at this stage. Me Mathias Chichportich, Christian Estrosi’s lawyer, stated: “As a result of the responses that Christian Estrosi provided, it was decided to lift the measure without notifying him of any charges.” The lawyer cites political manipulation. A complaint for malicious accusation has been filed, according to him.
Laura Tenoudji’s lawyer, Me Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, also denounced a political attack: “This accusation by opposition members, on the eve of a new electoral deadline, is particularly shocking.” She criticized the targeting of the mayor’s wife, suggesting it raises the question of women’s independence in the workplace.
According to information relayed by Mediapart and AFP, the investigations focus on alleged acts of “embezzlement of public funds,” “illegal conflict of interest,” and “forgery of public documents.” A dozen people were summoned on Monday in this context. The investigations, initially opened in Nice, have been transferred to the specialized interregional court (JIRS) of Marseille.
Public Subsidies, Conflicts of Interest, and Opposition Criticism
The Junior Eurovision, organized and broadcast by France Télévisions, was one of the events at the center of the investigation. The city of Nice granted a subsidy of 605,000 euros for the organization of the contest. Laura Tenoudji had been announced as the co-host of the opening ceremony. Some observers questioned this choice, particularly due to an English level deemed insufficient for this type of international event. The justice system is seeking to determine whether this decision was made by France Télévisions or through an agreement with the municipality.
The second event targeted is the Nice Climate Summit. This conference was organized by the economic media La Tribune. Laura Tenoudji was expected to moderate two panel discussions there. According to the municipality, this participation was to be “on a voluntary basis.” She eventually withdrew, due to the pressure of controversy. The city council had nevertheless voted for a subsidy of 20,000 euros to La Tribune, without Christian Estrosi stepping down from the vote, despite the risk of a conflict of interest.
Jean-Christophe Tortora, president of La Tribune and CEO of CMA Media, was also summoned on Monday. The Marseille prosecutor’s office, which is handling the case, has declined to comment at this stage.
The Opposition Takes Advantage
The municipal opposition, which initiated the initial report to the prosecutor, is demanding explanations. Jean-Christophe Picard, an elected ecologist, believes that “the illegal conflict of interest is beyond doubt.” Julien Picot, leader of the Communist Party in Nice, criticizes the municipal management: “Nice is too often mentioned in the crime or justice section, rather than for its successes or social advancements.”
He highlights the city’s judicial history and calls for reforms: “We demand citizen oversight of major decisions, complete transparency on subsidies, and immediate resignation for any elected official convicted of breach of trust.”
David Nakache, president of the association Tous Citoyens!, recalls having been sued for defamation by Christian Estrosi in 2020 for exposing local corruption. He was acquitted after two years of proceedings. He laments that these topics remain under-discussed publicly: “Despite this, the fight against corruption has still not become a major issue in local public debate in Nice.”
In this context, the announcement of Christian Estrosi’s candidacy for re-election in 2026 could reignite political tensions. The judicial investigation continues. No formal charges have been made to date. All of the individuals questioned are presumed innocent.
