What penalties will François Fillon be sentenced to for the affair of his wife’s fictitious jobs? The Paris Court of Appeal on Monday reviews the sanctions imposed on the former prime minister, definitively found guilty of embezzlement of public funds.
After a sentence at first instance and another on appeal, this is the third trial in this sensational case, which had stopped the right-wing candidate’s run in the 2017 presidential elections.
Definitely found guilty
François Fillon is expected to be present at the hearing which will begin at 1.30pm, his lawyer Me Antonin Lévy, who did not want to comment, told AFP.
The 70-year-old former prime minister was finally found guilty by the Court of Cassation in April, but ordered a new hearing to reassess his prison terms, fines and ineligibility.
On appeal, on 9 May 2022, Matignon’s former tenant was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, including one year, a fine of 375,000 euros and 10 years of ineligibility.
His wife, Penelope Fillon, was sentenced to two years in prison, plus a fine of 375,000 euros, and his former deputy, Marc Joulaud, was sentenced to three years in prison, with two and five years of ineligibility respectively.
The three defendants were also sentenced to pay the National Assembly a total of approximately 800,000 euros in damages.
“Chronology”
The Court of Cassation confirmed the convictions of the 69-year-old Franco-Welsh woman and the 57-year-old former Sarthe MP.
On the other hand, the High Court, which monitors compliance with the law and not the substance of the cases, considered that the Paris Court of Appeal had not sufficiently justified the harsh part of the sentence imposed on François Fillon.
Furthermore, the Court ruled that the sum of 126,167 euros, granted to the National Assembly as compensation for Penelope Fillon’s parliamentary assistant contract with her husband in the period 2012-2013, had been incorrectly assessed, as the court The appeal recognized that Penelope Fillon had nevertheless carried out some tasks.
Other damages are certainly due to the Fillon spouses. According to a parliamentary source, who partially confirms the information from BFMTV, François Fillon and the National Assembly are finalizing “the calendar and payment conditions” for an amount of 679,989 euros.
As Monday’s trial approaches, communicating this approach “is a way to demonstrate that he is in a good position to fulfill his obligations of justice,” the source believes.
A PNF investigation still ongoing
The affair broke out in January 2017 with the revelations of Canard Enchainé, when François Fillon was running for the right and center in the presidential elections. A herald of integrity, he was indicted and ultimately eliminated in the first round.
Justice may also have to rule on another case of suspicion of fictitious employment against someone who has now left politics: a PNF investigation is still underway into a parliamentary assistant contract signed by François Fillon between 2013 and 2015 .
The investigations consist of verifying whether he could have hired, with public funds, Maël Renouard, his “pen” when he was in Matignon, to write his programmatic book for the presidential elections, “Faire”, published in September 2015.
How has public opinion been shaped by the legal proceedings involving François Fillon and his family?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on the Fillon Case
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into the high-profile case of François Fillon, the former Prime Minister of France, who has been embroiled in controversy surrounding fictitious jobs for his wife. To help us understand the complexities and implications of this case, we’re joined by Dr. Camille Renault, an expert in French political law. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Renault.
Dr. Camille Renault: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this significant case.
Editor: Let’s start with an overview. François Fillon has been found guilty of embezzlement of public funds concerning payments made to his wife for alleged non-existent work. What is the current status of his legal situation?
Dr. Renault: As it stands, François Fillon was sentenced to four years in prison, of which one year is suspended, alongside a hefty fine of 375,000 euros and a ten-year ineligibility from holding public office. This current hearing is crucial because it reviews the sanctions following the Court of Cassation’s previous decision to uphold his conviction.
Editor: This case seems to have been quite a legal rollercoaster. Can you explain the significance of this being the third trial related to Fillon’s alleged wrongdoing?
Dr. Renault: Absolutely. This case not only exemplifies the intricacies of French judicial proceedings but highlights the importance of accountability for public figures. The repeated trials have spurred public interest and raised questions about the legal frameworks surrounding political integrity. Each trial has contributed to refining the legal interpretations of embezzlement in public office.
Editor: François Fillon’s wife, Penelope, and his former deputy also received sentences. What implications does this have for the perception of political accountability in France?
Dr. Renault: The sentences handed down to Penelope Fillon and Marc Joulaud underscore a collective responsibility among public servants and their families. It sends a clear message that corruption will not go unpunished, and it stands as a warning sign to both current and future politicians regarding the expectations of transparency in their conduct.
Editor: The monetary penalties seem significant as well. The Fillon couple was ordered to pay approximately 800,000 euros in damages to the National Assembly, in addition to their fines. What does this say about restitution in cases involving public funds?
Dr. Renault: When public funds are misused, restitution is a fundamental part of criminal sentences. The requirement to compensate the National Assembly reflects the understanding that taxpayers deserve reimbursement when public resources are misappropriated. It’s an effort to restore public trust in the political system while also reinforcing the principle that those who violate the public trust must face financial repercussions.
Editor: The recent ruling also noted that Penelope Fillon did perform some tasks during her tenure. How does this impact the overall legal narrative of the case?
Dr. Renault: This aspect adds complexity to the case. It acknowledges that while her role may not have justified the funds received, there were indeed some duties performed, which somewhat mitigates the narrative of total fabrication. This kind of nuance is important for legal proceedings, as it can affect sentencing and public perception.
Editor: As we look ahead, what should we anticipate in terms of potential outcomes from this latest hearing?
Dr. Renault: We could see a reassessment of François Fillon’s imprisonment terms based on the critiques about the harshness of his sentence. It’s possible that the court may impose a lighter sentence or adjustments to his fines, but given the established convictions, it remains unlikely he will evade serious penalties.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Renault, for your insightful analysis of this ongoing saga. It’s evident that the Fillon case will continue to resonate within the French political landscape, serving as both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for discussions on political ethics.
Dr. Renault: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pivotal case. It’s crucial for the future of governance in France.
Editor: And thank you, our readers, for tuning in. Stay informed on this case and many others by following Time.news.