The former Prime Minister François Fillon was definitively confirmed guilty in the case of fictitious jobs for his wife, but a new trial will be held to determine the sentencing and damages. The Court of Cassation confirmed the guilt of Fillon, his wife, and his deputy for embezzlement of public funds, but overturned the decision regarding the sentences and damages to be paid. Fillon had previously been sentenced to four years in prison, one of which was firm, a fine of 375,000 euros, and 10 years of ineligibility. The sentences for Penelope Fillon and Marc Joulaud were also confirmed, with Penelope receiving a two-year suspended sentence and a fine, and Joulaud receiving a three-year suspended sentence.
The decision to open a new trial was highly anticipated, especially given the timing, as the scandal known as the “Penelopegate” had erupted in 2017 during the presidential campaign in which Fillon was a candidate. The attorneys for Fillon, Penelope, and Joulaud had argued for a new trial based on a decision by the Constitutional Council that repealed a provision of the penal procedure code following a request by Fillon. They claimed that this decision necessitated a re-examination of the entire case. However, the prosecutor argued that the appeals court had already justified its rejection of the annulment request and had anticipated the Constitutional Council’s decision.
Additional criticisms were raised regarding the damages, the justification for Fillon’s prison sentence, and its execution. The wording of the appeals court decision was considered confusing, and there were suggestions to rewrite the problematic sections without necessitating a new trial. Ultimately, the Court of Cassation decided to order a new trial to determine the sentencing and damages, while confirming the guilt of the defendants. It was a significant development in a case that has spanned several years and had a major impact on French politics.
This decision marks a new chapter in the legal battle surrounding the Fillon case and raises questions about the conduct of public officials and the accountability of politicians. The “Penelopegate” scandal highlighted issues of corruption and misuse of public funds, leading to a trial that has now entered its third phase. The outcome of the upcoming trial will have implications for Fillon, his family, and their political legacy, as well as broader implications for French politics and the justice system.
As the legal proceedings continue, the public and the political world will follow the developments closely to see how this case unfolds and what impact it will have on the individuals involved and the broader context of political accountability in France. The decision by the Court of Cassation to order a new trial signifies that the legal process is not yet over and that there are still questions to be resolved regarding the sentencing and damages in this high-profile case. The outcome of this third trial will likely have lasting consequences for all parties involved and will be closely watched by the public and the media.
