Legion of Honor and public money: controversy over travel expenses of three elected officials from Cagnes-sur-Mer

The Legion of Honor. France's highest honorary decoration. Nothing less. Does it still justify deputies traveling to Paris to attend the presentation of such insignia to the mayor of their commune? The question was posed to the municipal council of Cagnes-sur-Mer on Thursday, April 3, 2025, by opposition leader Philippe Touzeau-Menoni. In the middle of the budget vote , the former Modem member, now independent, was surprised to read a deliberation concerning the travel expenses of three elected members of the majority party, who had gone to accompany Louis Nègre for his presentation of officer insignia in Paris on December 17, 2024.

A trip that cost €1,179.23. Despite the modest sum compared to the municipal budget, the municipal councilor requested reimbursement, "on principle ," believing that this "distinction is awarded in a personal capacity. It is of no general interest. As such, the expenses should not be covered. The ceremony concerns the mayor's commitment to the transport sector and therefore has nothing to do with the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Why does he need local elected officials? Is he lacking an audience?"

Awarded for being “nationally recognized”

The remark was dismissed by Alain Lucas, director of the mayor's office, who was also taking part in the trip: "These elected officials are present as part of their transport delegations. In Cagnes, Romain Allemant is in charge of traffic. At the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis, which is responsible for transport management, Amandine Pihouee is a councilor. Finally, at the Region, Noëlle Palazzetti is delegated to relations with regional transport users. Everyone contributes to improving the service, at their level of expertise and in key institutions. Their presence in Paris is therefore legitimate."

Received by the Minister of Transport, who was still François Durovray, Louis Nègre saw this distinction as " recognition of [his] work. For years, as president, I have been carrying out projects within the Group of Transport Authorities." For his part, the minister praised "a personality who counts in the field of mobility. He is recognized nationally. He is in the reflection and in the action on a daily basis."

"Locally, does he deserve his medal?"

"On a national scale," the opponent further emphasizes , "it has nothing to do with Cagnes (...) The mayor himself talks about his work as president of a national association. But locally, does he deserve his medal?" Alain Lucas immediately believes that " Louis Nègre's national expertise has been beneficial to the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer. The proof is the transformation of the seafront." Begun in 2003 , the project will result in the replacement of traffic lanes to make more room for bicycles and pedestrians. "The idea came from Suzanne Sauvaigo [mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer from 1984 to 1995], he just put it into practice," the opponent counters . "That's false, nothing was done in this direction under Sauvaigo's mandate," the town hall replies .

Before adding: "What about the creation of a multimodal hub at the station [completed in September 2024]?" Philippe Touzeau-Menoni believes that the development is due, "above all, to Philippe Tabarot [elected to the Region, delegate for Transport, from 2015 to 2021]." The office corrects: "Partly. Aid also came from the Metropole, the State and the European Union. Thanks to the well-structured dossier defended by the mayor, 96% of the work was subsidized."

Finally, what do we think of the city center? "Louis Nègre talked about it during his campaign in 2000. Twenty years later, still no tram, says the counterpart. And then, with the Metropolis's debt, I remain doubtful." Here again, the town hall pleads its case: "The arrival of the tram has been postponed to absorb the large unforeseen expenses of storms Alex (2020) and Aline (2023). But the time for the work is approaching and the line will be operational during the next term."