Ex-PM Édouard Philippe Faces Whistleblower Allegations: Misuse of Funds and Favoritism Under Investigation

June 23, 2025
Ex-PM Édouard Philippe Faces Whistleblower Allegations: Misuse of Funds and Favoritism Under Investigation
  • The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) is currently investigating these allegations, having opened a probe in 2023 and conducted searches in Spring 2024.

  • Concerns have been raised about the PNF's progress, particularly in light of Philippe's potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections.

  • This latest complaint follows an earlier one filed in September 2023, which also led to an investigation by the PNF.

  • On June 23, 2025, a whistleblower filed a complaint in Paris against Édouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister and current mayor of Le Havre, alleging misuse of public funds and favoritism.

  • The complaint, lodged by lawyer Jérôme Karsenti, includes serious accusations of moral harassment, favoritism, embezzlement of public funds, illegal interest taking, and extortion against Philippe and his associates.

  • Among those targeted in the complaint are Philippe's associates, Stéphanie de Bazelaire, the deputy for innovation in Le Havre, and Claire-Sophie Tasias, the general director of services for the urban community.

  • Judith, the whistleblower, who previously served as the deputy general director of the urban community, claims she faced moral harassment after raising concerns about a public service contract.

  • This contract, signed in July 2020, involved a financial commitment of 2.154 million euros to LH French Tech, which has since gone bankrupt.

  • The contract was awarded to LH French Tech, the only organization that submitted a proposal, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

  • Philippe has denied all accusations, suggesting that the complaint arises from a personal vendetta by Judith, whose contract was not renewed.

  • Judith expressed frustration over the slow progress of the investigation, claiming she has faced repercussions for her whistleblowing.

  • The ongoing investigation continues to analyze documents seized during the spring raids, as authorities work to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations.

Summary based on 5 sources


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