The Triangle Tower, a striking pyramid-shaped edifice under construction on the edge of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, is slated for inauguration in early 2027. With 90,000 square meters of surface area, standing 180 meters tall, and featuring 70,000 square meters of office space, a 128-room hotel, a 60-crib nursery, and a 600-square-meter cultural center, this glass and steel tower is set to transform the landscape of Southern Paris. Conceived in 2008 under Bertrand Delanoë, the project aimed to enhance the city’s skyline and compete with other European capitals.
A Secret Arrangement: Unibail’s Undue Advantage?
However, the ambitious project is now at the heart of a major controversy. An investigation by Libération, based on consulted exchanges, suggests that Paris City Hall secretly organized an ultra-favorable deal for the developer, Unibail. This arrangement raises questions about potential complicity, especially with an ongoing inquiry by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office.
Elisabeth Borne’s Alleged Role and the City’s Involvement
The investigation points to the significant roles played by both Elisabeth Borne and Paris City Hall in the allocation of the project more than fifteen years ago. While the exact details of their involvement remain under wraps, the findings indicate a concerted effort to create conditions exceptionally beneficial to Unibail.
“It Must Not Be Said”: The Veil of Secrecy
The title of the investigation, “It must not be said,” underscores the secretive nature of the dealings. This suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal the details of the agreement from public scrutiny, fueling suspicions of impropriety and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
The Triangle Tower: A Symbol of Urban Transformation or Undue Influence?
The Triangle Tower was initially envisioned as a symbol of modern urban transformation, aiming to shed Paris’s complexes about its lack of high-rise buildings. Yet, the revelations surrounding its development threaten to tarnish this image, transforming it into a symbol of potential corruption and preferential treatment.
Broader Implications for Public Trust
The ongoing investigation and the findings from Libération have significant implications for public trust in municipal governance and urban development projects. The alleged secret dealings could erode confidence in the fairness and transparency of public procurement processes, raising concerns about how major city projects are awarded and managed.
What Lies Ahead for the Triangle Tower and Paris City Hall?
As the inauguration of the Triangle Tower approaches, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the results of the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office’s inquiry. The investigation’s outcome could lead to significant repercussions for those involved and potentially prompt a reevaluation of how large-scale urban development projects are handled in Paris.
Source: https://www.liberation.fr/societe/logement/il-ne-faut-pas-le-dire-comment-la-ville-de-paris-a-organise-en-secret-un-montage-ultrafavorable-au-promoteur-de-la-tour-triangle-unibail-20260410_6R2LRXW3EBG4NNJLRBJAQAQJAM/
