Former PM questioned in inquiry

The former prime minister and presidential candidate Edouard Philippe was questioned all day on Thursday by two financial investigating judges. He was placed under the status of assisted witness in the investigation into the management of the Digital City of Le Havre, a city for which he has been mayor since 2020. The investigation concerns suspicions of embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, and moral harassment.

No charges filed yet

According to one report, the justice system has not issued an indictment against Edouard Philippe at this stage. The status of assisted witness, less incriminating than a formal investigation, for now removes the possibility of legal proceedings against the mayor of Havre. It could, however, change if new elements emerge during the investigation.

Origins of the investigation

The case dates back to accusations made by Cornélia Findeisen, former deputy general director of the Havre Seine Métropole urban community. She is accusing a contract signed in July 2020 by Edouard Philippe and Stéphanie de Bazelaire, volunteer president of the association LH French Tech, concerning the animation of the Havre Digital City. The association was to benefit from 2.154 million euros in compensation for public service.

Whistleblower follows the case

From the complainant's side, recognized as a whistleblower in January 2025, the procedure remains closely followed. "We are pleased that the investigation is proceeding," said her lawyer Jérôme Karsenti. He now wishes to consult the statements of the former prime minister. "We will review the hearing of Edouard Philippe as soon as possible to understand the judges' motivation regarding facts that appear serious to us," he added.

Defense welcomes the status

Edouard Philippe's lawyer Emmanuel Marsigny stated, "Edouard Philippe welcomes this favorable decision, which confirms that there is nothing to reproach him in this matter."