Patrick Balkany's Ineligibility Upheld by Paris Court Ahead of 2026 Municipal Elections
A Paris tribunal has maintained the 10-year ineligibility sentence for former Levallois-Perret mayor Patrick Balkany, complicating his plans for a political comeback.
The Paris Correctional Tribunal has reaffirmed the 10-year ineligibility sentence against former Levallois-Perret mayor Patrick Balkany, following a court session on February 12, 2023. This ruling impedes Balkany's intentions to return to public office in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections.
Balkany, aged 76, along with his wife Isabelle, were found guilty of tax fraud and money laundering, having concealed approximately 13 million euros from the French tax authorities between 2007 and 2014. Among the assets hidden were luxury villas located in the Caribbean and Morocco.
In addition to the ineligibility penalty, Patrick Balkany was sentenced to four years and six months in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 euros.
He has previously served a five-month prison term from 2019 to 2020 and was incarcerated for six months from February to August 2022 for non-compliance with electronic monitoring conditions.
The court session was not open to the public, but it was revealed that the request to lift the ineligibility penalty—filed in late October—was denied.
Balkany’s defense attorney, Robin Binsard, argued that his client had not embezzled public funds and claimed that the offenses committed did not relate to his former roles as an elected official.
The legal team intends to continue appealing against the ineligibility verdict, which they describe as disproportionate and an infringement of democratic rights.
In statements made to AFP in November 2022, Balkany expressed his disdain for retirement, stating, 'Retirement is the antechamber of death' and reinforcing his belief that he is 'too young to die.' He also noted that local residents frequently approach him during his outings, urging him to return to public life.
He has characterized the ineligibility sentence as 'grotesque' and 'antidémocratic,' asserting that the French populace is capable of choosing their representatives magistracy.
Balkany, aged 76, along with his wife Isabelle, were found guilty of tax fraud and money laundering, having concealed approximately 13 million euros from the French tax authorities between 2007 and 2014. Among the assets hidden were luxury villas located in the Caribbean and Morocco.
In addition to the ineligibility penalty, Patrick Balkany was sentenced to four years and six months in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 euros.
He has previously served a five-month prison term from 2019 to 2020 and was incarcerated for six months from February to August 2022 for non-compliance with electronic monitoring conditions.
The court session was not open to the public, but it was revealed that the request to lift the ineligibility penalty—filed in late October—was denied.
Balkany’s defense attorney, Robin Binsard, argued that his client had not embezzled public funds and claimed that the offenses committed did not relate to his former roles as an elected official.
The legal team intends to continue appealing against the ineligibility verdict, which they describe as disproportionate and an infringement of democratic rights.
In statements made to AFP in November 2022, Balkany expressed his disdain for retirement, stating, 'Retirement is the antechamber of death' and reinforcing his belief that he is 'too young to die.' He also noted that local residents frequently approach him during his outings, urging him to return to public life.
He has characterized the ineligibility sentence as 'grotesque' and 'antidémocratic,' asserting that the French populace is capable of choosing their representatives magistracy.
