PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) – A French judge has opened a probe into centrist politician Edouard Philippe over accusations of misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, conflict of interest and extortion, French media reported on Tuesday.
• Philippe, who was prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron for three years and who recently won re-election as mayor of the northern city of Le Havre, is vying to become president in next year’s election.
• “Edouard Philippe acknowledges the opening of a judicial investigation. He learned about it in the press. And he will respond to all of the questions from judicial authorities as he always has – in a very calm manner,” a spokesperson said.
• A spokesperson for the French financial prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• Police searched Philippe’s office premises in 2024 as part of a preliminary probe into corruption. His office said at the time that he was cooperating with authorities.
• Philippe had been considered by some as the best-placed mainstream candidate to beat the far-right National Rally (RN) candidate in next year’s election.
• Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader, was handed a five-year ban from holding public office after she and eight other former RN lawmakers were found guilty of misusing over 4 million euros in EU funds. She has appealed the decision.
(Reporting by Michel Rose and Makini BriceEditing by Gareth Jones)
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