Due to the war in Ukraine, the city of Montpellier (Hérault) said it was ready to reduce its ties with banks which “will give priority to their financial interests over peace in Europe”, in a letter in which it asks its financial partners to specify their present and future commitments in Russia.
“I am asking you to find out about the financial interests and activities of your group in Russia, and if they exist, what their future could be”, writes the mayor, Michaël Delafosse (PS), in a letter addressed to around fifteen banks. .
The mayor gave the banks fifteen days to respond
This letter, dated March 28, a little over a month after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was notably sent to Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Crédit Mutuel, Dexia Crédit Local or the European Investment Bank (EIB).
“We reserve, in strict compliance with the contracts that bind us, the right to initiate a total or partial decline in public procurement when certain groups prioritize their short-term financial interests over peace in Europe”, explains Michaël Delafosse, who gave the banks a fortnight to respond.