Vosges: Opposition politician sentenced for death threats against village mayor near Épinal

In Épinal, near the town of Essegney in the Vosges department, a local opposition figure has been sentenced to two years in prison with suspended execution after being found guilty of threatening the life of the mayor. The verdict was announced by the prosecutor’s office in Épinal on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The accused, a 56-year-old man who ran unsuccessfully in the recent municipal elections, sent a threatening text message to the mayor, demanding his resignation. In the message, he warned that if the mayor did not step down by Wednesday evening, “we will take care of your wife and child and then you, we will kill you, you will bleed.” This message was sent via a prepaid phone purchased under a false name. The gendarmerie quickly identified the buyer of the device through surveillance cameras at the store, according to a statement from Prosecutor Frédéric Nahon. Interpolated and placed in custody on Tuesday, the defendant is the leader of the opposition in the municipality. He had led one of the two competing lists during the March elections, losing with 46.5% of the votes. During his interrogation, he admitted sending both the threatening text and a previous letter dated May, which stated that the mayor should resign before the end of the month or face a “great misfortune” affecting himself or a family member. According to the prosecutor, the defendant claimed his threats were due to the mayor having submitted a list for the elections while he himself was a candidate. He also mentioned a disagreement over the allocation of a hunting lease. The case came to trial on Wednesday in a procedure involving prior acknowledgment of guilt. The court ruled him guilty of threats against an elected official. As part of the sentence, he faces a fine of 2,000 euros and is prohibited from contacting the victim or their family for three years, as well as appearing at the town hall. Local newspaper Vosges Matin reported that around forty local officials and twenty residents from Essegney gathered on Tuesday night to support the mayor, Emmanuel Gaboraud. The incident has sparked concern among community leaders and residents, highlighting the tensions that can arise in local politics. The mayor, who has faced criticism for his management style, has received backing from several political figures and citizens. The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the threat, noting that such actions could endanger lives and undermine public trust in local governance. The defendant, who described himself as having “lost control,” has not yet commented publicly on the ruling. However, legal experts suggest that the conviction reflects the gravity of the situation and serves as a warning against using intimidation in political disputes. The case also raises questions about the role of local authorities in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of elected officials. With the sentence now finalized, attention turns to how the mayor and his supporters will continue to navigate the challenges posed by this controversy.