Twenty-four victims of the Constellation fire are demanding that the municipality of Crans-Montana be placed under partial administrative trusteeship, as the projected total cost of the catastrophe approaches one billion Swiss francs, rts.ch reported. The disaster ultimately left 41 people dead and 115 injured.
Legal Filing Filed with the Canton of Valais
Attorney Sébastien Fanti filed a formal complaint with the Council of State of Valais on behalf of the 24 victims, according to rts.ch. The municipality of Crans-Montana stated that it has no knowledge of the complaint and declined to comment on the matter.
The financial fallout from the tragedy forms the core of the legal action. Estimates indicate the municipality could be forced to disburse between 95 million and nearly one billion francs depending on the scenario, lematin.ch reported. Fanti dismissed the executive branch’s current plan to set aside five million francs annually as “derisory.”
Financial Transparency and Conflict of Interest Concerns
The legal filing also highlights potential conflicts of interest, noting that several current and former elected officials and employees are targeted by the ongoing criminal investigation, lematin.ch reported. The victims’ legal representative wants an independent commissioner appointed to manage the financial and legal consequences of the disaster.
“Our demand for transparency has been refused,” Fanti explained in the regional press, as cited by lematin.ch. “We have therefore brought out the heavy artillery and hope, henceforth, that the Canton of Valais assumes its supervisory role and takes a close look at the finances of Crans-Montana.”
Response from Municipal and Canton Authorities
While the municipality of Crans-Montana maintains it is unaware of the administrative complaint, the Canton of Valais clarified its legal stance, lematin.ch reported. Canton officials noted they are not legally obligated to guarantee the debts of Crans-Montana, though authorities may evaluate potential forms of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the demand for administrative trusteeship in Crans-Montana?
The demand stems from the catastrophic financial liabilities associated with the Constellation fire, which claimed 41 lives and injured 115 people. Victims’ legal representation fears the municipality cannot absorb costs that could reach one billion francs and argues that local authorities lack transparency.
Who represents the victims in this legal action?
Attorney Sébastien Fanti represents the 24 victims pushing for partial trusteeship. He filed the formal complaint with the Council of State of Valais.
What is the official position of the local government regarding the complaint?
The municipality of Crans-Montana stated it has no knowledge of the administrative complaint filed with the canton and refused to provide further comments.
The Council of State of Valais is expected to review the administrative complaint to determine whether state supervision of the municipal budget is warranted.