UPDATE: Chirac in Hot Water Over “Fake Jobs” Scam

By Brent Surgeoner
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Europe

PARIS, France – Former French President Jacques Chirac is in legal trouble over suspicious work contracts given to political supporters while he served as mayor of Paris from 1977 until his presidency in 1995.

Judge Xaviere Simeoni, who summoned Chirac to her office in the Palace of Justice on Wednesday, decided to launch a formal investigation into alleged misuse of public funds by Chirac during his tenure as mayor.

This is the first time a former president of the French Fifth Republic has faced a formal investigation.  Such an investigation means there is strong enough evidence against Chirac to pursue a more intensive investigation to determine whether he should face trial.

According to the allegations, millions of dollars in salaries were paid by the mayor’s office to conservative party allies of Chirac who were listed as “advisers,” although these individuals served no such function.

One example cited in French newspaper Le Monde, described a chauffeur hired by Chirac who, although paid by City Hall, actually worked for a senator in Chirac’s Rally for the Republic Party.

Allegations of corruption were hurled at Chirac throughout his presidency, but no investigation could be launched as Chirac was shielded under the umbrella of presidential immunity. 

However, Wednesday’s investigation marks the second time a judge has looked into allegations of embezzlement since Chirac’s presidential term and immunity ended in May.

Chirac, with the support of his lawyer Jacques Veil, has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence to the public.  He said all appointments he made as mayor were “legitimate and necessary.”

“Never were Paris municipal resources devoted to ambitions other than acting for the Parisians,” said Chirac.

Chirac’s former prime minister, Alain Juppe, was convicted for a related plot in 2004 that involved the bribing of housing affairs officials.

For more information, please see:

Yahoo (AP) - Preliminary charges filed against Chirac - 21 November 2007

International Herald Tribune - Chirac under investigation for activities when Paris mayor - 21 November 2007

BBC - Chirac formally probed over scam - 21 November 2007

Impunity Watch - Chirac Questioned in “Fake Jobs” Scandal - 20 July 2007