Dijon Mayor Rebsamen: Expense Report Investigation Reopened Before Elections

French Political Figure Faces Scrutiny Over Expense Claims

Dijon, France – Former Dijon mayor and current Minister of Territorial Cohesion and Decentralization, François Rebsamen, is once again facing questions regarding his expense reports. The controversy, initially brought to light in July 2025, has been reignited by the anti-corruption association Anticor Côte-d’Or 21, which has filed a formal complaint with French authorities alleging inconsistencies in the submitted documentation. This development comes less than a month before the first round of municipal elections on March 15th, adding a layer of political sensitivity to the situation. The renewed scrutiny centers on over €121,000 in expenses incurred between 2020 and 2024 although Rebsamen served as both mayor of Dijon and president of Dijon Métropole.

The allegations, initially detailed by the association Transparence Citoyenne, prompted an investigation into Rebsamen’s spending habits. Now, Anticor Côte-d’Or 21 is claiming to have identified further discrepancies, prompting them to escalate the matter to the Public Prosecutor, the Regional Court of Accounts and the Commission for Access to Administrative Documents (Cada). The association’s concerns revolve around a lack of transparency in the expense reports, specifically regarding the justification for certain expenditures and potential irregularities in billing practices. This latest action underscores the ongoing commitment of civil society groups to hold public officials accountable for their use of public funds.

Details of the Allegations

Anticor Côte-d’Or 21’s complaint highlights several specific issues with Rebsamen’s expense reports. According to the association, some invoices lack crucial details, such as the names of attendees at meals or the purpose of the meetings. Several expenses were reportedly incurred on Sundays, raising questions about their professional relevance. The association points to inconsistencies in Value Added Tax (VAT) rates applied to certain invoices, suggesting they may not align with the nature of the services provided. Significant discrepancies in invoice numbering and instances of invoices dated during lockdown periods—yet claiming rates applicable to on-site dining—have also been flagged. These details, as reported by Anticor, raise concerns about the proper accounting of public money.

The association emphasizes the principle that every euro spent by the municipality belongs to the citizens and must be demonstrably justified and transparent. They are requesting full access to all supporting documentation for the expense reports, a clear identification of the events to which the expenses relate, and a public explanation regarding the compliance of these expenditures with relevant legislation and municipal regulations. Anticor’s actions reflect a broader push for greater accountability in French politics and a demand for stricter oversight of public officials’ spending.

Previous Scrutiny and Initial Findings

The initial investigation, conducted by Transparence Citoyenne and reported by Valeurs actuelles in July 2025, revealed that Rebsamen’s expenses totaled €121,014.23 between January 2020 and October 2024. Valeurs actuelles reported that this figure was broken down into €76,713.54 for restaurant meals, €33,990.69 for travel expenses, and €10,262 for representation costs. The report specifically cited instances of Rebsamen dining at the upscale Le Train Bleu restaurant in Paris, ordering a sea bream for €105 on six occasions, as an example of potentially excessive spending. Bien Public also highlighted these findings, noting the significant amount spent on taxis, totaling €14,167.17, exclusively in Paris.

At the time, Rebsamen reportedly did not dispute the overall amount of the expenses, but the details sparked public debate about the appropriateness of such spending, particularly given his simultaneous roles as mayor and, later, as a government minister. He had previously increased his own allowances by €25,000 per year, bringing his total compensation to the maximum legally permitted. This increase in remuneration, coupled with the high expense claims, fueled criticism from opposition parties and transparency advocates.

Anticor’s Role and the Presumption of Innocence

Anticor Côte-d’Or 21 is a local branch of the broader Anticor organization, which describes itself as fighting corruption and restoring ethics in politics. Transparence Citoyenne initiated the initial investigation into Rebsamen’s expenses, obtaining the documents after a legal request to the administrative court. The association’s function is part of a larger effort to analyze the expense reports of mayors in French communes with populations over 10,000, aiming to identify potential abuses and propose improvements to the legal framework governing public spending.

Anticor Côte-d’Or 21 has been careful to emphasize that Rebsamen, like all individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The association’s complaint is not an accusation of wrongdoing, but rather a request for a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to determine whether the expenses comply with the law. The organization stresses that it is the responsibility of the authorities to verify the legitimacy of the expenditures and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.

Lack of Comment and Upcoming Elections

Despite the renewed scrutiny, officials from the City of Dijon, Dijon Métropole, and François Rebsamen’s office have declined to comment on the allegations raised by Anticor Côte-d’Or 21. This silence has further fueled speculation and criticism from opposition groups. The timing of the complaint, just weeks before the municipal elections, is also significant, potentially impacting the political landscape in Dijon. Bien Public reported in January 2026 on Rebsamen’s performance during his fourth term, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral contest.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant political ramifications, potentially influencing voter sentiment and the results of the upcoming elections. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public office and the role of civil society organizations in holding elected officials to account. The focus now shifts to the authorities, who will be tasked with thoroughly examining the evidence and determining whether any wrongdoing occurred.

The next step in this unfolding situation will be the response from the Public Prosecutor, the Regional Court of Accounts, and the Commission for Access to Administrative Documents. Their investigations are expected to take several weeks, and their findings will be crucial in determining the future course of this case. Readers are encouraged to follow updates from reputable news sources as the investigation progresses and to engage in respectful discussion about the importance of transparency and accountability in public life.