French Courts Block Philippe Brun From Socialist Primary

Overview

• The tribunal judiciaire in Paris rejected Philippe Brun’s emergency bid to be reinstated, and the Cour d’appel confirmed that ruling on Wednesday, Sept. 23, leaving him barred from the PS primary.
• Brun was suspended “à titre conservatoire” by the Parti socialiste after an ex-collaborator filed a signalement about alleged harassment, physical violence and improper employment; the party says the suspension followed its statutes for urgent internal reports.
• Judges ruled in référé that they could not decide the truth of the underlying allegations and that the party’s rapid suspension did not show a manifestly unlawful procedure given the proximity of the candidacy deadline.
• Le Canard enchaîné published questions about who placed a late-night call that alerted party leaders, but the Cour d’appel said new documents confirm the plaintiff contacted PS leadership on Sept. 15, a point the court cited in upholding the suspension.
• Brun denies the accusations, has filed a complaint for dénonciation calomnieuse, plans further legal appeals, and the primary continues without him with five candidates taking part in scheduled debates and votes.