Politics · France · 2 hrs ago
Martine Vassal questioned in public funds investigation
Martine Vassal, head of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, was questioned by financial investigators in France on Tuesday, October 13.
Her chief of staff, Marc Jolibois, was also questioned, and both left without charges.
The investigation concerns suspicions of misuse of public funds, influence peddling and corruption.
It began after former department employee Erwan Davoux made a report to the authorities, alleging that public money funded costly trips and grants influenced by personal connections.
Investigators also examined Vassal and Jolibois’s relationship because French law restricts public officials from hiring a spouse or partner; a lawyer for the department said the appointment broke no law.
Searches were carried out at the department and metropolitan authority offices in June.
The investigation is continuing, with no charges reported so far.
Martine Vassal, president of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, was questioned in an investigation into suspected misuse of public funds, influence peddling and corruption.
She said on Friday, October 16, that she had been questioned and faced no charges at that time.
Her chief of staff, Marc Jolibois, was also questioned in custody and was released without charges, according to 20 Minutes.
The investigation followed a report to authorities by Erwan Davoux, a former department employee.
Investigators are examining allegations including publicly funded trips and subsidies, as well as the nature of Vassal’s relationship with Jolibois.
- Who
- Martine Vassal, president of Bouches-du-Rhône, and chief of staff Marc Jolibois.
- What
- They were questioned in an investigation into suspected misuse of public funds, influence peddling and corruption. Both were released without charges, according to 20 Minutes.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The sources identify the investigation with Bouches-du-Rhône and Marseille but do not state where the questioning took place.
- Why
- The investigation followed a report by former department employee Erwan Davoux, who alleged a system involving costly trips and subsidies.
Erwan Davoux
Martine Vassal and the department
Alleged public spending
Erwan Davoux
Davoux reported what he called a “Vassal system,” alleging publicly funded expensive trips and clientelist subsidies.
Martine Vassal and the department
Vassal was questioned in the investigation but the sources do not report her response to these specific allegations.
Appointment of Marc Jolibois
Erwan Davoux
Investigators are examining Vassal and Jolibois’s relationship and whether his appointment complied with the law.
Martine Vassal and the department
The department’s lawyer said no law was breached because Vassal was not married to, in a civil partnership with, or cohabiting with a cabinet member.
Searches were carried out at the headquarters of the departmental council and the metropolis.
Vassal and Jolibois were questioned in custody as part of the investigation.
Vassal said she had been questioned and faced no charges at that time.
- People questioned
- Martine Vassal and Marc Jolibois
- Investigation
- Suspected misuse of public funds, influence peddling and corruption
- Report to authorities
- Erwan Davoux, a former department employee
- Searches
- Departmental council and metropolis headquarters, in late June
- Status
- Released without charges, according to 20 Minutes
3 sources
La présidente des Bouches-du-Rhône Martine Vassal entendue dans une enquête de « détournement de fonds publics »
Martine Vassal, la présidente des Bouches-du-Rhône, entendue dans une enquête de « détournement de fonds publics
Marseille : Martine Vassal et son directeur de cabinet entendus en garde à vue pour « détournement de fonds publics »
What people are saying
sans poursuite à ce jour
aucune disposition légale n’a eu à souffrir de cette nomination, la présidente n’étant ni mariée, ni pacsée, ni concubine de quelque membre de son cabinet
système Vassal