Corruption in the European Parliament? The French Minister of Culture is under the microscope of the prosecutor's office

The prosecutor's office in France announced on Thursday that searches were carried out in the Ministry of Culture, the mayor's office of the 7th arrondissement of Paris and private homes as part of an investigation into Culture Minister Rachid Dati. The investigation covers the period when Dati was a member of the European Parliament.

The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) reported that in October this year. An investigation was launched into alleged corruption, influence peddling and misappropriation of public funds. This investigation concerns Dati's activities and income during the years when she was a member of the European Parliament, and in particular – the fees she allegedly received from the GDF Suez concern.

Dati is one of the most famous politicians in France. He has been the head of the Ministry of Culture since 2024. She was a member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019. Previously, in 2007-2009, she was Minister of Justice. Currently, he is also the mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, where the parliament, several ministries and the embassies of foreign countries are located.

This summer it was announced that another case in which the name of the Minister of Culture appears – concerning alleged lobbying in the European Parliament in favor of the Renault-Nissan car concern – will go to court. Dati then assessed that the decision to take this case to court was related to the political calendar, among others. with next year's local elections. It is believed that Dati will run in the Paris mayoral elections in 2026.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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