Valenciennes Mayor, Prominent Lawyer Face Court Over Alleged Influence Peddling
A legal battle is brewing in France, with the mayor of Valenciennes and a well-known lawyer set to appear in the Lille Court on February 19, 2026. The case centers around accusations of illegal taking of interests, raising questions about potential undue influence within local government.
The investigation stems from a 2017 hiring decision made by Pascal Vanhelder, a former elected official for Valenciennes, vice-president of SITURV, and practicing attorney. According to reports, the Lille Prosecutor alleges that the mayor of Valenciennes requested a favor regarding this specific hire.
Vanhelder vehemently denies the allegations. “I hired a lady in 2017,” he stated. “The latter would have had an affair with Laurent Degallaix. The Lille Prosecutor thinks that the mayor of Valenciennes asked me for a favor for this hiring. This is false, Laurent Degallaix did not ask for anything at all. Moreover, I have always refused this type of solicitation that I have received from more important personalities.”
The process surrounding the hiring, Vanhelder explained, was standard procedure. He indicated the decision was “returned to the two cabinet directors at the time (city of Valenciennes and SAEM Stationnement). That was settled between them with the usual protocol.”
However, Vanhelder expressed concern over the timing of the trial, which falls shortly before the first round of municipal elections. “Isn’t there anything more urgent than this trial before the Municipal Elections?” he questioned, suggesting a possible political motivation behind the proceedings.
Adding to the complexity, Vanhelder revealed he has yet to receive access to the case file. “They can’t send it to me, I have to go to the Lille Court,” he said, highlighting potential obstacles to a fair defense. The unfolding situation promises to be a closely watched case, potentially impacting the political landscape of Valenciennes.
