Crans-Montana mayor Féraud refuses to resign despite investigations
Niclas Féraud faces criminal investigation for manslaughter through negligence and arson but wants to remain in office. Resignation would be "cowardice or desertion", he said.
No resignation: Crans-Montana mayor defends himself publicly
Niclas Féraud (55), mayor of Crans-Montana, will not resign despite ongoing criminal investigations into manslaughter through negligence and arson. He stated this according to Blick in an interview with local broadcaster Canal 9, in which he also reviewed the situation of the municipality since 1 January.
"To give up would be cowardice, would be desertion", said Féraud. He had been elected to manage municipal affairs – in good times and in bad. Calls for his resignation had come mainly from Italian media, as if his departure "could somehow make things right".
The municipal council was currently standing together more united than ever before, Féraud continued. When voting on matters of their own responsibility – including those of his fellow councillor Patrick Clivaz, who also faces charges – those affected leave the chamber. Much of the ongoing work revolves around the consequences of the disaster on 1 January: safety issues, contact with the justice system and with affected families.
On 21 April, Féraud was questioned for almost twelve hours by prosecutors. "I am relieved that I was finally able to speak", he said. "It was long and not really pleasant." He expects another summons.
A meeting that took place a few hours after his questioning caused a stir: Féraud met for a coffee with the former security officer of the municipality, who was also to be summoned two days later. Féraud denied suspicions of collusion. "I did nothing illegal", he said. It had been a normal act of friendship and respect. "If we had wanted to arrange something, we would have had four months to do it."
The question of the economic consequences for the municipality remains open. Tax increases are not currently planned, according to Féraud. Whether there is a risk of insolvency will be shown by the future. The civil proceedings are likely to take at least fifteen years, during which Crans-Montana will barely be able to build up reserves. Féraud nevertheless considers forced administration "completely pointless".
Source: Blick