Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Criticized for Communication Spending Focused on Wauquiez

A regional audit highlights questionable expenses and transparency issues under former president Laurent Wauquiez.

The regional audit identified significant communication expenses centered on Laurent Wauquiez, raising concerns about their institutional justification.
Key expenditures include costly dinners, such as one with Michel Houellebecq, and increased hospitality spending from €22,718 in 2019 to €77,180 in 2022.
The audit criticized the purchase of politically charged opinion polls, suggesting they served personal rather than public interests.
A lavish 'Dîner des sommets' event in June 2022, costing over €1,000 per guest, is under investigation by the national financial prosecutor.
The regional administration disputes the audit's findings, arguing there are no illegalities and accusing the report of analytical and factual errors.