THE BALKANY TRIAL | M6 | 66 minutes

Once Upon a Time in the West (of Paris), a man ruled supreme over a territory that became the center of his life for 35 years. Patrick Balkany and Levallois is the story of power and glory, where money, luxury and underhand dealings rub shoulders. The story is being played out at this very moment in a final dramatic climax at a trial for money laundering, corruption and tax evasion. After the glory, will Patrick Balkany experience a descent into hell? The mayor of Levallois, elected since 1983, and his wife, Isabelle, have lost their arrogance and now anxiously face these weeks of trial. After a few days of initial flamboyance, Patrick Balkany has become gloomy.  What is his state of mind today? Does he fear a prison sentence? What is he thinking? We try to follow him through this highly unusual trial. We interview his critics, but also his longtime supporters: the people of Levallois. Patrick Balkany, the final test: the trial of a Vth Republic “wise guy”.