Christian Estrosi under investigation for misuse of public funds

The Nice prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into former mayor Christian Estrosi for the alleged misuse of public funds. The probe focuses on more than 312,000 euros in representation expenses reimbursed between 2016 and 2025 that reportedly lack supporting documentation.

The investigation follows a report filed by Estrosi’s successor, Eric Ciotti, who requested justification for the expenses after taking office in March. The association Transparence citoyenne had also filed a complaint regarding the missing receipts. Estrosi has previously defended the expenditures, stating they were for meals with investors and cultural or economic figures intended to advance city and metropolitan interests.

This inquiry is one of several involving the former mayor. He is currently a witness in an investigation regarding security measures during the 2016 Nice truck attack, and has faced scrutiny over the management of reconstruction efforts following Storm Alex in 2020, as well as investigations into the organization of Formula 1 Grand Prix events.