Process for Mayor Ferrand: Latest turns in the corruption scandal!

Process for Mayor Ferrand: Latest turns in the corruption scandal!

On June 19, 2025, the mayor of Barcarès, Alain Ferrand, was once again confronted with severe allegations in the Criminal Court in Perpignan. The focus is on accusations for blackmail and illegal advantage, which relate to the Christmas market in winter 2018-2019. Ferrand is said to have requested illegal entry fees for dealers without obtaining the approval of the local council. The funds should have between 500 and 2,000 euros, depending on the type of stand. A total of 73,000 euros in unjustified taxes are said to have been collected. Loud [L’ indépendant] (https://www.lindependant.fr/2025/06/19/je-suis-une-cible-alors-lon-Me-tue Et-on-Ein-Parle-Plus-Le-maire-du-barcares-au-gril-au-tribunal-de-perpignan-12773412.php) Ferrand reports that the allegations are unfounded. He argues that the dealers have always had the opportunity to buy tickets and to resell their customers.

The negotiation on Thursday was interrupted by an incident in which the partner of one of the accused collapsed in court. This incident caused additional tensions in the already tense procedure. The defender then applied for a delay and the court complied with this application. This already represents the third postponement in the current process. The state has so far not charged, and the civil party, represented by the Anticor organization, has not yet commented on the allegations, such as [France 3] (https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/occitanie/pyrenees-orentales/perpignan/village-de-noel-au-barcares-i L risquait-une-d-ineligibilite-le-process-ferrand-ferrand-apres-les-Municipales-2026-3174375.html) holds.

renewed shift and the consequences for Ferrand

The continuation of the procedure has now been postponed to October 15 and 16, 2026 to state after the local elections. Ironically, this shift could not affect Ferrand's political ambitions, since he can continue to apply for a place in the next local elections. However, the mayor is not only faced with these legal difficulties, but also with a second, parallel procedure that was to take place in Marseille on June 21. In this case, it is about controversial taxes for dealers and campsite operators. This negotiation could also be postponed.

The serious accusations in this procedure lead a light on the greater problem of political corruption, as described in the Federal Center for Political Education. Corruption in politics is often associated with abuse of power, which undermines the trust of citizens in public institutions. Barcarès's incident shows how such practices are apparently widespread in municipalities and endanger public interest and security.

How the situation for Alain Ferrand will develop remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the coming months could bring exciting developments for both the mayor and for the dealers concerned. One thing is clear: the pressure on Ferrand is growing while he continues to fight for his rights and political future.