In December 2021, Martial Paynard, farmer and horse breeder, filed a complaint against Serge Weil, mayor of Baerenthal, for illegal taking of interests and discrimination. In question, the purchase of land by the municipality, where the complainant considered that the right of pre-emption should not have been applied, and the sale of a plot to a professional, turning out to be from the family of the councilor, for a price allegedly too low compared to village standards.
In September 2022, the Sarreguemines court announced the dismissal of the complaint. “The facts or circumstances of the facts could not be clearly established by the investigation. The evidence is not sufficient for the offense to be committed,” indicated the public prosecutor.
“You will pay for it”
Last December, Martial Paygnard again filed a complaint against the mayor of Baerenthal (which the prosecution confirms), this time for acts of “harassment”. “Mr. Weil told me that I was going to pay for filing a complaint against him. After the dismissal, he boasted of being untouchable and again told me: ''You will pay for it,'' assures the farmer.
According to him, the councilor would have “implemented” his threats by hindering his projects. He gives various examples, the most recent concerning the old goldsmith's shop: the farmer hoped to take over the site but it was ultimately the Etablissement Public Foncier du Grand Est (EPFGE) which bought it – the municipality committing to 'acquire later.
-“I have no animosity towards the mayor. I just want him to stop bothering me, especially with the municipality’s money,” concludes the complainant.
For his part, Serge Weil indicates that he does not wish to “make any comments” on this complaint. “It’s an ongoing matter, I am at the disposal of justice,” he said simply.
