The firm alleges slander and defamation against Schengen Mayor Michel Gloden, as well as aldermen Tom Weber and Jean-Paul Muller. Additionally, an official from the technical service is accused of illegal representation of interests.
The dispute stems from decisions made during a municipal council meeting in May of last year, where two contracts were awarded to Valentiny HVP Architects. However, tensions arose when consensus couldn’t be reached on the design direction for projects including the special development plans (PAP) for the school campus dubbed Campus Baggerweier and the construction of a sports hall.
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François Valentiny, the architect representing the firm, expressed frustration over the lack of agreement on project aesthetics. Despite efforts to accommodate the municipality’s wishes, the contracts were terminated by a majority vote on 4 May. Valentiny contends that statements made by municipal representatives in the press at the time damaged the firm’s reputation.
In response, the firm issued a public letter on 10 May, asserting that they had not been officially notified by the municipal council of the intention to terminate the contracts.
The trial is set to commence at the State Court on Monday afternoon at 15:00.
The firm enlisted the services of lawyer Lydie Lorang. Representing the municipality of Schengen are lawyers Philippe Penning and Rosario Grasso.
