automatically resigned by the prefect, Jean-François Oneto is no longer mayor of Ozoir-la-Ferrière

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There was no longer any doubt about the outcome. One month to the day after the conviction of Jean-François Oneto, the mayor of Ozoir-la-Ferrière (Seine-et-Marne), in the sprawling affair known as “France Pierre”, the man was automatically resigned by the prefecture of Seine-et-Marneon November 24. As a reminder, the elected official was sentenced to four years in prison (adjustable), of which two farms, for having favored the implementation of real estate projects led by France Pierre in his commune in exchange for sums of money.

But that's not all. His house in Corsica was also seized and he will also have to pay a fine of 375 000 euros (basically, the courts asked him to pay a fine of one million euros, editor's note).

Resigned automatically

Finally, the 73-year-old elected official was declared ineligible and deprived of his civil rights for a period of five years, “with provisional execution”, understand with immediate effect.

Since the dissemination of the prefectural decree n°2024-DRCL-BDE-027 on November 24, the commune of Ozoir-la-Ferrière, which has nearly 20,600 administeredis therefore orphaned by its mayor. The same one who has worn the tricolor scarf with golden tassels since 2001 without stopping. “The mayor is temporarily replaced, in the fullness of his functions, by the 1^is deputy. The next person on the list will be called upon to complete the municipal council and elect the new mayor within 15 days of the official resignation,” confirms the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne.

A call for “collective resignation”

Will this decision lead to new early municipal elections ? Not necessarily. This situation opens the door to two schemes. The first – and most plausible – could be summed up to an election among the members of the municipal council. The second consists of calling Ozoirians back to the polls. However, a significant number of municipal councilors would have to choose to resign.

In the ranks of l’oppositionsome actually want new early elections to see the light of day. This is the case for members of the Ozoir group for all, led by Jean-Pierre Bariant. By means of a leaflet, the group calls for the “collective resignation” of the majority. “Enough of the scandals! These practices of favoritism and corruption weaken our local democracy. This verdict calls for an immediate reaction. The deputies and municipal councilors of the Oneto team must resign without delay,” they proclaim.

It now remains to be seen whether the members of the current majority will respond positively to this “invitation”. A risky game which would result, in factnew municipal elections. Response in a few days. The municipal council meeting is scheduled for Friday December 6at 8 p.m., in the Horizon room.

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