French prosecutors probe 2027 presidential hopeful Edouard Philippe for embezzlement

PARIS — French prosecutors on Tuesday ordered a probe into 2027 presidential candidate Edouard Philippe over allegations of embezzlement.

France’s National Financial Authority opened an investigation into the allegations that Philippe, in his role as mayor and head of the Le Havre regional authority, favored a non-profit organization run by an ally to oversee projects linked to the city’s digital hub. According to a statement from France’s financial prosecutor Pascal Prache, Philippe is being probed for alleged embezzlement of public funds, favoritism and illegal conflict of interest.

Philippe, who is also a former prime minister, will cooperate fully with investigators after financial prosecutors ordered a judicial inquiry into allegations of embezzlement, a local official linked to him said Tuesday.

He “takes note” of the opening of the inquiry against him, said the official for Le Havre regional authority, who was granted anonymity in line with protocol rules. “He will, of course, answer all the questions that the [magistrates] will ask him in a very serene fashion, as he always has done,” said the official.

An AFP news wire states that the investigation was triggered by a whistleblower who reported the alleged misconduct in September 2023.

The alleged conflict of interest concerns a public contract worth over €2 million that Le Havre’s regional authority signed with a charity called LH French Tech in July 2020. LH French Tech was run by local councilor Stéphanie de Bazelaire.

The inquiry comes at a sensitive moment for Philippe. Earlier this month, he launched his campaign for next year’s presidential election, putting an end to speculation over when the former prime minister would make his move for the Elysée.

Early polling suggests Philippe is one of the best-placed candidates to beat far-right leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, the current favorites.

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