Paris 20th Arrondissement Town Hall Under Scrutiny for Unremoved Campaign Panels
PARIS, France – The Town Hall of Paris’s 20th arrondissement is embroiled in a controversy following allegations that it failed to remove promotional panels showcasing its achievements before the pre-electoral reserve period, which commenced on September 1, 2025. This oversight could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, according to several legal specialists consulted by actu Paris.
The Unfolding Controversy: A Timeline of Omissions
For months leading up to the pre-electoral reserve period, residents of the 20th arrondissement observed numerous large, brightly colored panels across public facilities and recently greened streets. These panels, legally funded by public money, boldly proclaimed “the town hall is transforming the 20th” and featured the logos of both the arrondissement’s town hall and the central Paris mayor’s office. A total of 130 such panels were installed.
The core of the issue lies in Article 52-1 of the Electoral Code, which stipulates that “from the first day of the sixth month preceding the month in which general elections are to be held, no advertising campaign promoting the achievements or management of a community may be organized in the territory of the communities concerned by the election.” For the upcoming municipal elections in Paris, this period began on September 1, 2025.
Town Hall’s Defense: “Exceptional Operational Constraints”
Contacted by actu Paris, the 20th arrondissement’s town hall stated that the campaign was “decided, carried out, and financed before the opening of the electoral reserve period.” They further claimed that, in compliance with Article L.52-1 of the Electoral Code, the general directorate of services was instructed to remove all panels by the end of August, or at the latest, by September 1st, precisely to avoid any legal difficulties.
However, the municipality admitted that the removal process could not be completed on time due to “exceptional operational constraints,” including staff shortages, sick leaves, and the departure of the general director of services. Consequently, the dismantling operation was phased and extended over several weeks beyond September 2025. As recently as January 5, actu Paris observed that several panels remained unremoved. The town hall acknowledged, “It is possible that a few panels were omitted.”
Legal Experts Weigh In: “Very Borderline” Practices
Legal experts specializing in electoral law have expressed serious concerns regarding the town hall’s actions. Me Stéphane Penaud, an attorney at SCP Krust Penaud, described the situation as “very borderline.” He questioned the appropriateness of panels stating “here we have done…” rather than “here we are doing…”, especially if such practices are unusual for the municipality. Me Thomas Portelli, another Paris-based lawyer, estimated a “90% chance that it is condemnable.”
Me Antoine Fouret, from the Nausicaa law firm, noted that while such elements might be acceptable if habitual, “the suddenness and temporality strongly raise questions.” He suggested that an administrative judge could be seized, though a decision would likely come after the election. He also highlighted the possibility of an opposing candidate seeking an immediate removal of the panels through the judicial court.
Potential Sanctions: From Financial Penalties to Ineligibility
The administrative court can impose various sanctions for electoral irregularities. In this case, the funds used by the town hall for the panels could be transferred to the outgoing team’s campaign account. Campaign accounts can also be entirely rejected, meaning that campaign expenses are not reimbursed, a standard provision for lists that secure at least 5% of votes in the first round.
Beyond financial considerations, the head of the list, currently Mayor Éric Pliez, could be declared ineligible by the court. In the most extreme scenarios, the election itself could be annulled, though this typically occurs in very close second-round contests. The 20th arrondissement has historically voted overwhelmingly for the left, making an annulment less likely but not impossible.
Precedent and Confidence: A Legal Battle Ahead?
The 20th arrondissement’s town hall remains confident, citing jurisprudence from the Council of State. They argue that “the Council of State repeatedly rules that the retention of communication materials installed before the reserve period does not, in itself, constitute an infringement, as long as there is no new initiative, modification, or additional dissemination after entering the prohibited period.” They assert that “in law as in jurisprudence, it is not the occasional persistence of a previous display that is sanctioned, but a deliberate promotional communication approach during the reserve period, which is not the case here.”
However, Me Stéphane Penaud recalled the sanction against Jean-Paul Huchon, then President of the Île-de-France region, in 2010. His campaign accounts were rejected by the Council of State for promoting regional actions during the reserve period, even though he avoided ineligibility and election annulment.
Me Thomas Portelli observed that “many town halls play with the limits of what is possible, because by the time the judge is seized, the election has already passed.” He added that while some might not act in bad faith, the increasing scrutiny of campaign accounts has made many politicians wary of making errors, leading some to decide against re-election. The final judgment on this matter will rest with the administrative court, should it be seized.
