PARIS — Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe will fully cooperate with investigators as financial prosecutors have initiated a judicial inquiry into embezzlement allegations, a local official associated with Philippe stated on Tuesday.
Philippe, a prominent candidate for the 2027 presidential election, “acknowledges” the inquiry commencement against him, said the official from the Le Havre regional authority, who was granted anonymity in accordance with protocol. “He will, of course, respond to all the questions the [magistrates] will pose to him in a very calm manner, as he always has,” said the official.
France’s National Financial Authority launched an investigation regarding allegations that Philippe, during his tenure as mayor and head of the Le Havre regional authority, favored a non-profit organization led by an ally for overseeing city’s digital hub-related projects. According to a statement from France’s financial prosecutor Pascal Prache, Philippe is under investigation for alleged embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, and illegal conflict of interest.
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