Grégory Doucet, the Green Party mayor of Lyon, was released from police custody on Wednesday following questioning about potential embezzlement of public funds.
The investigation centres on the alleged unlawful hiring of 24 special advisors between 2016 and 2023, double the legal limit of 12 permitted for mayoral cabinet staff.
The Lyon Public Prosecutor’s Office launched the probe in February 2023 under statutes covering “embezzlement by public officials.” According to the Regional Chamber of Accounts (CRC), the advisors performed political rather than administrative roles, potentially constituting misuse of municipal resources.
Lyon municipality maintained the detention was routine, stating Doucet was questioned “as a representative of the local authority to explain city operations and defend decision-making legality.” The mayor’s office claims all appointments followed proper procedures, though a September 2023 CRC report found many hires occurred “outside the legal framework” with deputy mayors’ involvement.
The case highlights growing scrutiny of French local government spending, particularly on political staffing. As Lyon’s first Green mayor, Doucet’s detention deals a blow to the ecologist party ahead of June’s municipal elections.
