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.
