Administrative Court Annuls Election of Saint-Denis Mayor’s Deputies
Montreuil, July 11, 2026 – The administrative court of Montreuil has annulled the election of the deputies to the mayor of Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis), Bally Bagayoko (LFI), who was elected in March 2026. This decision, announced by the opposition group on social media on Friday, July 10, 2026, marks a significant legal challenge for the newly elected mayor.
A Protocolary Issue at the Heart of the Annulment
The court deemed valid the prefectural referral concerning the annulment of the municipal council’s deliberation from April 4, 2026. This deliberation had led to the appointment of 22 deputies, including Farid Aïd (PCF), the delegated mayor of Pierrefitte. The core of the problem lies in the position of Farid Aïd within the protocolary order of the deputies.
The opposition, comprising environmentalists and the Socialist Party, stated in a press release that the “delegated mayor” should be “added in 23rd position” in the protocolary table, in addition to the 22 legally accepted deputies. Currently, Farid Aïd holds the second position in this hierarchy. To validate the election, one deputy would need to be removed from the list.
Reactions from Political Figures and the City’s Response
Following the judgment, former mayor Mathieu Hanotin (PS) emphasized the urgency for the “second city of Île-de-France to function normally, with transparency, seriousness, and respect for the rules of law.”
In response, Bally Bagayoko informed Le Parisien that the City of Saint-Denis intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Cassation. He also highlighted that the decision is “suspensive,” meaning it does not apply immediately.
Background of the Municipal Elections and Subsequent Events
Bally Bagayoko, from the La France Insoumise (LFI) party, was elected mayor of Saint-Denis in March 2026. His election was followed by the appointment of 22 deputies in April 2026. This annulment comes three months after the municipal elections, adding a layer of complexity to the city’s governance.
Earlier, Bally Bagayoko had gained media attention for removing a portrait of Emmanuel Macron from the town hall, raising questions about the legality of such an act.
Implications for Saint-Denis’s Governance
The annulment of the deputies’ election could potentially disrupt the functioning of the municipal council and the administration of Saint-Denis. The city’s decision to appeal indicates their commitment to challenging the court’s ruling and maintaining the current structure of their executive body.
The outcome of the appeal will be crucial in determining the future composition of the mayor’s team and the stability of local governance in Saint-Denis. The situation underscores the intricate legal and political landscape of French local government.
Source: actu.fr
