French investigators have opened a probe into allegations of embezzlement involving high-profile presidential candidate Édouard Philippe over the allocation of a digital hub contract in the northern port city of Le Havre, where he serves as mayor.
The 55-year-old, who previously served as France’s prime minister from 2017 to 2020, is considered one of the leading contenders in next year’s presidential election to succeed Emmanuel Macron. Philippe has denied all wrongdoing.
According to prosecutors, the investigation concerns suspected embezzlement of public funds, favouritism, unlawful taking of interest, and extortion. The national financial prosecutor’s office confirmed that the inquiry was ordered earlier this month.
The case centres on the 2020 awarding of the management contract for a digital hub in Le Havre. A former senior local authority official has alleged possible misconduct in the decision to grant the contract to an association led by one of Philippe’s deputies. Investigators are now examining whether there was any improper arrangement connected to the decision-making process.
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