The Monaco Town Hall announced on Wednesday, January 3, that first deputy mayor Camille Svara “has agreed to replace Mayor Georges Marsan for an indefinite period”.
The mayor of Monaco, Marsan, was placed in police custody on Thursday, December 14 for 48 hours before his indictment on counts of active corruption of a national public official, passive corruption by a national public official, active and passive influence peddling, illegal taking of interest by a national public agent and criminal association.
A long-standing elected member of the Municipal Council since 2003, Svara took on the great responsibility of being the stand-in Mayor of Monaco when Marsan was placed in police custody, and therefore agrees to continue on at the helm of the town hall for an indefinite period of time.
“This provision allows all municipal services to continue their missions and thus guarantee the continuity of municipal public services,” concluded a statement by the town hall.
Shortly before Christmas, the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed via press release that Marsan remains under judicial supervision without the right to come into contact with any members of staff of the Monaco town hall.
“My actions have always been for the benefit of (Monaco’s) citizens, and have always been motivated by the general interest and standing of the Principality of Monaco…” communicated Marsan through his legal advisor Thomas Brezzo, adding that “I believe I am being subjected to abusive measures and real harassment. I confirm: I have never taken advantage of my position. I cannot wait for my innocence to be proven.”
Featured image courtesy of the Monaco town hall, Camille Svara