Édouard Philippe named assisted witness in Le Havre investigation

Former French Prime Minister and Horizons presidential candidate Édouard Philippe has been granted the status of assisted witness following an interrogation by financial investigative judges in Paris. The investigation concerns the management of the Le Havre Seine Métropole urban community, which Philippe presides over as mayor.

The probe involves allegations of misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, and moral harassment. The case originated from complaints filed by Cornélia Findeisen, a former deputy general director of the urban community and a designated whistleblower. Specifically, the investigation examines a multi-year objectives agreement signed in July 2020 regarding the animation of the Le Havre Digital City, involving the association LH French Tech.

Philippe’s lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, stated that the decision confirms there is nothing to reproach his client. While the assisted witness status is less severe than being formally placed under investigation, it remains subject to change if new evidence emerges during the ongoing judicial process.