The Versailles administrative court has declared that the procedure for awarding a public drinking water contract, which would have continued Suez's services for approximately 520,000 residents in western Île-de-France, has been annulled. The court found that the mixed union Aquavesc violated the principle of equality in treatment of candidates during the selection process. This ruling raises important questions about the fairness of public procurement processes in France, particularly regarding the competitive dynamics between major utility firms like Suez and Veolia.

The court commented that the breach of candidate equality could have caused significant detriment to Veolia, a competitor in the water service sector. This decision not only affects the companies involved but may also have broader implications for public sector procurement practices. Ensuring fairness in the bidding process is crucial to uphold public trust and maintain a competitive market that benefits consumers.

Following this ruling, the future of water supply contracts in Île-de-France is now uncertain, with potential consequences for service delivery and pricing in the region. Stakeholders will need to navigate the legal and administrative implications of this annulment, and public authorities will be tasked with addressing the needs of residents who depend on these essential services while ensuring a fair bidding process going forward.