Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet Questioned in Custody Over Investigation Into Special Advisors

Grégory Doucet, the Green Party mayor of Lyon, was questioned in police custody on Wednesday, April 9, as part of a financial investigation into the employment of several special advisors within the city administration. The hearing, scheduled in advance by investigators, did not involve any arrest—the mayor had been summoned as part of an ongoing judicial procedure.

According to a source close to the investigation who informed H24 NEWS, he was taken into custody at 9am and is expected to be released later today. He is being heard as a representative of the municipality to explain how city services operate and to justify the legality of decisions made during his tenure.

In a statement to the media, city officials confirmed that the mayor is “fully cooperating with the justice system” and continues “to carry out his duties responsibly.” They emphasized that this is “a normal step in the investigation process.”

Case Linked to Regional Audit Office Report

The hearing stems from an investigation launched following a report by the Regional Chamber of Accounts (CRC), published last September. The report highlighted the employment of 36 political advisors by Lyon’s city hall—despite the legal limit being just 12. Twenty-four of those individuals, reportedly recruited with input from deputy mayors and often outside legal guidelines, had been assigned to a “thematic unit” created in 2021.

According to the CRC, these individuals were performing roles comparable to mayoral cabinet staff rather than standard administrative duties. The chamber concluded that the city had far exceeded the legal cap on such appointments.

In response, Lyon’s city administration publicly contested the CRC’s legal interpretation, stating its disagreement with the conclusions drawn. Nevertheless, the city ultimately decided to dismantle the thematic unit in September 2024.

The case had already prompted a search of city hall a year ago and triggered strong reactions from the municipal opposition, which called for stricter adherence to legal standards in public employment practices.