Culture Minister Rachida Dati to Face Corruption Trial

Potential Paris Mayoral Bid Looms Over Judicial Proceedings

French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati will stand trial on charges including abuse of power and breach of trust, following a judicial process that began in 2019. The accusations stem from alleged undeclared consulting work between 2010 and 2012.

Allegations Detail Consulting Fees and Influence Peddling

Ms. Dati, 59, faces charges related to allegedly receiving 900,000 euros for consulting services from RNBV, a subsidiary of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. At the time, she was a lawyer and a Member of the European Parliament. Investigations also explored whether these payments concealed prohibited lobbying activities within the EU legislature.

Rachida Dati has vehemently denied the charges, calling the proceedings an “incident-ridden procedure.” She has also questioned the actions of certain magistrates, stating, “I overwhelm magistrates who refuse to do their work according to the procedural code.” She maintains her innocence and vows to continue her fight.

Legal Battle Continues Amidst Political Ambitions

The trial is anticipated to take place after the municipal elections scheduled for March 2026, potentially impacting Dati‘s aspirations to become mayor of Paris. While the President’s office acknowledged the decision, stating she “continues her work to the government,” political rivals are already questioning her suitability for public office.

“Paris deserves a mayor, not an accused.”

—Emmanuel Grégoire, Deputy and Mayoral Candidate

Despite the legal challenges, an aide for Rachida Dati stated she will persevere, asserting, “She is presumed to be innocent, that does not diminish her determination for the municipal elections.” Recent polls suggest she remains a strong contender for the Paris mayoral race.

Carlos Ghosn Also Implicated in Parallel Proceedings

In a related development, Carlos Ghosn, 71, faces an international arrest warrant and will be tried for abuse of powers and corruption. The former head of Renault-Nissan denies all accusations. Ghosn, a citizen of Lebanon, France, and Brazil, previously fled Japan in 2019 while awaiting trial there for financial misconduct.

Ministry of Culture Faces Uncertainty

The charges against Dati emerge at a critical juncture for the Ministry of Culture. She has been championing a controversial plan to consolidate public audiovisual entities, a project that has faced significant opposition and legislative hurdles. The proposal is set for further debate in the autumn session, requiring Dati to garner broader support.

As of mid-2024, legislative processes for audiovisual reform in France have been complex, with differing opinions between the National Assembly and the Senate highlighting the contentious nature of such restructuring. For example, a proposed reform in 2022 faced strong union opposition, indicating the difficulties in achieving consensus on media governance changes (Le Monde, July 2022).

Rachida Dati, who also served as Keeper of the Seals under Nicolas Sarkozy, considers the charges time-barred and has exhausted numerous appeals to halt the proceedings. Her determination remains evident, as she recently told supporters, “I am not afraid of anything, or of anyone.”