Villefranche-sur-Mer experiences a turbulent summer raising, helter-skelter, as many unanswered questions: Is it really blackmail to resign? Is Gérard Grosgogeat truly ill? Is the accusation of sexual harassment well-founded? Did the mayor plan to leave his position in a few months to number 2, Jean-Pierre Magiapan? If the request to dissolve the municipal council succeeds, who will be a candidate for the position of the city’s chief magistrate?
To find out more, we will have to wait a few days or a few weeks for the statements of the various protagonists of this political soap opera. However, some facts are proven.
The “furniture blunder”
At the end of January, as Gérard Grosgogeat finishes his second term, he launches a public call for tenders totaling 24,000 euros to change the furniture in the town hall’s reception rooms. Despite the municipal code, the city does not advertise this tender. A few companies are put into competition, and it’s the Ozone company that wins the contract—a company from Villefranche but, more notably, directed by the mayor’s son. Aware of the error, Mr. Mayor annuls the contract, and his son refunds the 24,000 euros. This might be enough to make the matter forgotten, but no legal denunciation is made to the public prosecutor. Did the embarrassing file serve as blackmail? Was the secret of the “furniture blunder” exchanged for the promise of a resignation? There is currently no certainty.
Last March, Gérard Grosgogeat was elected in the first round for a third term. This giant of 75 savored his victory until the summer of 2008.
Scandalous accusation
When nothing foresaw it, a young and pretty waitress from a chic city restaurant declares that she is about to file a complaint against the mayor—a complaint for sexual harassment. Even if the accusation is fragile, the young woman’s lawyer would have proposed to the mayor his resignation in exchange for the complainant’s silence (source: Nice-Matin of August 5).
The elected official seems to stand firm and convenes his lawyer. But on July 24, to everyone’s surprise, he declares his resignation for health reasons. “In agreement with my family and close ones, I cannot conceive of being a diminished or even part-time mayor.” A resignation justified by an unexpected “neurological disease.” A neurological disease, or a nervous shock following this sordid accusation?
“If I am elected…”
It then becomes evident that the first deputy delegate for finances, Jean-Pierre Mangiapan, will be elected at the next municipal council. Gérard Grosgogeat steps away but keeps an eye on “his” seat: “I remain a municipal councilor because I wish to oversee the realization of my projects,” he declares. A reflection period is, however, imposed by the Prefect.
On July 30, Jean-Pierre Mangiapan grants us an interview. He discusses the future of his city, but also his own future. “If I am elected by the next municipal council to replace Mr. Grosgogeat”… until last August 4. Gérard Grosgogeat suddenly recants his resignation. He seems to have recovered from his illness and is full of forgiveness. So much so that despite his promises to “clean up city hall,” he allegedly stated yesterday, before leaving on vacation, “that in no case will he clean up and that no head will roll as long as he is mayor.” (source: Nice-Matin of August 6).
These promises may not be enough. Four councilors from the majority are asking the Prefect for the immediate dissolution of the municipal council. But, of course, they do not wish to comment on this decision, at least not for now. The sad political saga of Villefranche is really just beginning.
