Investigation targets French economy minister’s campaign funds: waiver of countless unpaid bills | outside

Le Maire, 54, is a heavyweight in the French government. The investigation, which began in early June, revolves around possible illegal financing of his campaign in the 2016 presidential primary. He came in fifth place, receiving just 2.4 percent of the vote.

Le Maire, who joined Emmanuel Macron’s government in 2017, was surprised by the news on Monday. According to his entourage, campaign funds have already been approved by the National Committee that oversees campaign financing.

Le Maire’s Avec BLM campaign platform raised about 2 million euros during the primaries, according to the news site “Mediapart”. However, after the campaign, “more than a dozen” bills remained unpaid and these fees were waived. The investigation focuses on two canceled invoices with a total value of 35,000 euros, a source familiar with the file confirmed to Agence France-Presse. These accounts will be in the name of two political communication specialists, for approximately €35,000.

However, Le Maire’s entourage says he informed the campaign observer. These two bills were the subject of a dispute with the service providers. Because there was no answer from them, these two invoices were canceled at the end of the limitation period according to the accounting rules.

The minister is seen by experts as a possible successor to President Macron, but it is the third time in a short time that Le Maire has lost credibility. At the end of April, a sensational account of the minister was published. Millions of French people can no longer pay rent. Meanwhile, our minister writes the novels, “was the derogatory comment of then-left-wing MP Thomas Bourthes. Last October, he infuriated many Frenchmen when he suggested they wear turtlenecks in order to save on soaring energy costs. .

If Le Maire is found guilty of illegally financing his electoral programme, he will face a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a €45.00 fine.