France’s culture minister faces corruption trial#
French Minister Rachida Dati Faces Corruption Trial
Rachida Dati, France’s Culture Minister and prospective Paris mayor, is set to appear in court accused of corruption and abuse of power during her tenure as a Member of the European Parliament. The case was reported by AFP on Tuesday.
Allegations of Renault Lobbying
- A 2019 indictment charged Dati with lobbying for the Renault‑Nissan conglomerate while serving as an MEP from 2009 to 2019.
- The investigation claims she accepted €900,000 in legal fees between 2010 and 2012 from a Dutch subsidiary of the carmaker, although she allegedly did not work directly for them.
- Lobbying inside the European Parliament is prohibited, prompting magistrates to examine whether Dati actually represented Renault‑Nissan interests.
Fostered Arrest of Carlos Ghosn
French investigators are also pursuing the ex‑tycoon Carlos Ghosn. The 71‑year‑old, who has lived in Lebanon since fleeing Japanese arrest, has denied misconduct. Ghosn was arrested in Japan in November 2018 on suspicion of financial impropriety, dismissed by Nissan in a unanimous vote, then escaped after bail was revoked.
Upcoming Court Hearing
A hearing scheduled for September 29 will decide the trial date. Sources suggest the trial could occur after next year’s March municipal elections in Paris.
Background and Previous Legal Challenges
Dati, born to North African immigrant parents in France, has repeatedly sought to dissolve the charges against her but has been unsuccessful. The case underscores the complex intersection of politics, corporate influence, and legal accountability in Europe.
