François Bayrou, a former French prime minister and mayor of Pau, has expressed calm confidence ahead of his appeal trial in a legal case involving the misuse of European funds by assistants of MoDem euro deputies. The case centers on allegations that he was complicit in embezzling public funds by using European financial resources between 2005 and 2017 to pay parliamentary assistants who were actually working for the UDF (Union for a Popular Movement) and later the MoDem (Movement for the France of the Future), a centrist political party. Bayrou is set to appear before the Paris court of appeal starting Wednesday, alongside twelve other defendants, following his acquittal in the first instance in early 2024. Speaking to the local radio station ICI Béarn Bigorre on Monday, 7 September, Bayrou stated he is “absolutely serene” and “determined” to defend himself against the charges. He emphasized that the initial trial, which lasted six weeks, thoroughly examined the case and ultimately resulted in his acquittal “in the benefit of the doubt.” According to Bayrou, the court and investigators explored all relevant questions, and he believes there was no evidence of wrongdoing because he and his team are “completely innocent” of the accusations. The original trial, held in the Paris correctional court, found the MoDem and its co-defendants guilty of embezzling funds but ultimately cleared Bayrou of any wrongdoing, citing insufficient evidence to convict him. The court acknowledged the misuse of funds by the party but determined that Bayrou could not be held responsible for the actions of others. This decision allowed him to be acquitted despite the broader legal findings against the MoDem. Bayrou reiterated that the appeal trial would provide an opportunity to further demonstrate his innocence and challenge the basis of the accusations. He remains confident that the legal process will confirm the initial judgment and that the charges against him are unfounded. The case continues to draw attention as it involves high-profile political figures and raises questions about the use of public funds in French politics.