French Mayor Rejects Plea Bargain Proposal for Refusing to Marry Irregular Migrant
Béziers, France – On Tuesday, February 18th, Robert Ménard, the mayor of Béziers, rejected the "plea bargain" proposed by the Montpellier prosecutor for his refusal to officiate the marriage between a French woman and an Algerian immigrant who was in an irregular situation and subject to a deportation order.
Plea Bargain Process
Mayor Ménard’s summons was part of a pre-trial procedure known as "comparution sur reconnaissance préalable de culpabilité" (CRPC). During this procedure, the accused is informed of the proposed sanction by the prosecution. The maximum potential sentence in this case was five years imprisonment, a €75,000 fine, and ineligibility for public office.
Prior to his summons, the far-right mayor had publicly declared that he would "never accept" a sanction that went beyond "symbolic."
Mayor’s Refusal
After his meeting with the prosecutor, Mayor Ménard informed the press that he had declined the plea bargain offer. This means that he will be summoned at a later date to appear before the criminal court. He declined to disclose the specific penalty that had been proposed, citing legal restrictions.
Vanessa Edberg, the lawyer for the couple who Ménard had refused to marry in July 2023, was also present at the CRPC meeting. She likewise refrained from revealing the proposed penalty.
Show of Support
On Tuesday morning, approximately 30 elected officials, including mayors from the region, gathered outside the courthouse to demonstrate their support for Mayor Ménard. "It is not me who is at fault, but the one who was under an obligation to leave the country," Ménard reiterated.
Government’s Response
Amidst the controversy, both Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have recently expressed support for changing the law to prohibit marriages in which one of the spouses is in an irregular situation. They have indicated their understanding of Mayor Ménard’s position.
Legislative Proposal
On Thursday, February 20th, the Senate is scheduled to consider a legislative proposal sponsored by centrist senator Stéphane Demilly. The proposal aims to "prohibit marriage in France when one of the future spouses resides irregularly on French territory."
Expulsion of Migrant
The young man whose marriage Ménard had refused was subsequently deported to Algeria two weeks later.
Conclusion
The rejection of the plea bargain by Mayor Ménard has ignited a heated debate on the issue of irregular migration and the role of public officials in upholding the law. The upcoming Senate hearing on the proposed legislative change is expected to further fuel the discussion.
