Trial of David Rachline for illegal interest taking
David Rachline, RN mayor of Fréjus, is on trial in Paris for illegal interest taking in a case involving municipal contracts. The proceedings highlight issues of political ethics. A witness stated that 'ethics cannot be delegated'.
The trial of David Rachline opened on September 30, 2025, before the Paris criminal court. The mayor of Fréjus, a prominent figure in the Rassemblement National (RN), is accused of favoring a company linked to a close associate in awarding public contracts. The case concerns contracts signed between 2014 and 2017, when Rachline led the city.
According to the Le Monde article, investigators noted that the company, run by a friend of Rachline, secured several contracts without proper tender processes. Rachline denies personal involvement, claiming he delegated these decisions to his deputies. However, an ethics expert, testifying as a witness, emphasized: 'Ethics cannot be delegated.' She explained that elected officials retain direct responsibility for overseeing public interests.
The political context is tense: Rachline, elected in 2014, is close to Marine Le Pen and a key RN figure. The case comes as the party faces multiple investigations into its practices. The defense lawyers argue that the facts are time-barred or misinterpreted, while the prosecution highlights clear violations of the penal code.
As of now, the trial continues with hearings of municipal witnesses. Rachline faces up to 10 years in prison and a 1 million euro fine if convicted. This case illustrates the ethical challenges facing local elected officials in France.