Paris City Hall Threatens Fine Against Group That Disclosed Mayor Hidalgo’s Expenses
PARIS – The Association Transparency Citizen, a group focused on government accountability, is facing a potential fine of €210,000 from Paris City Hall after publishing details of expenses incurred by Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s office.The city alleges the group illegally obtained and disseminated confidential information, escalating a dispute over transparency and public access to financial records.
The move comes amid a broader controversy surrounding the release of invoices detailing costs associated with the mayor’s activities, which critics claim reveal excessive spending. The city hall maintains the publication of these documents degrades public space and generates unnecessary cleaning costs. The Association Transparency Citizen’s actions have ignited a political firestorm, with Hidalgo’s office denouncing what they describe as a “voyeuristic campaign for the sole purpose of harming” the mayor and announcing plans to file a complaint for slanderous denunciation against unknown parties (“X”).
According to a statement released by the city, the investigation initiated in response to the disclosures will aim to identify both individuals and organizations involved in what they characterize as a “criminal offense.” City officials further assert that the released information is subject to “manipulations which distort the facts and harm the image and honor” of Mayor Hidalgo. The city hall has not specified the exact legal basis for the proposed fine, but cites concerns over data protection and the unauthorized disclosure of administrative documents.