The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office announced on October 1st that it has closed the preliminary investigation into former Republicans leader Eric Ciotti and his ex-wife Caroline Magne for suspicions of improper cumulation of public jobs. The investigation was opened in November 2022, during the LR presidential campaign, for misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and concealment after reports that Caroline Magne had held several positions in the French National Assembly, in Nice, and in the Alpes-Maritimes department between 2008 and 2017. However, the PNF stated that the offense was not sufficiently established and they could not verify the actual working hours when Magne worked as a full-time parliamentary assistant.
The PNF confirmed that although they could not establish the offense, testimony and evidence showed that Caroline Magne did perform duties typical of a parliamentary assistant throughout the period in question. The investigation also revealed a lack of authorization for cumulation of roles, which could constitute an administrative fault but not a criminal offense. The Canard Enchaîné had reported that Magne had held various positions working for the deputy or political allies, including as a press attaché for Christian Estrosi in 2007, parliamentary assistant to Eric Ciotti, deputy director at the Nice town hall, and in various other roles within the local community.
Following the publication of the article, Eric Ciotti clarified that he had employed Caroline Magne as a part-time parliamentary assistant in strict compliance with laws and regulations. Both Ciotti and Magne were questioned in December 2022. Meanwhile, the Nice prosecutor’s office is investigating suspicions of misappropriation of public funds related to possible cumulation of roles at the Alpes-Maritimes department that may have benefitted Eric Ciotti. The Diocese of Nice denied allegations that Magne had worked for them and stated that she had held a position in a Catholic educational institution in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
The article sheds light on the complex web of professional roles held by Magne over the years, including positions in various political and administrative entities, as well as in the Catholic educational sector. Despite the conclusion of the PNF that there was insufficient evidence of wrongdoing in this case, the investigation highlights the issue of potential conflicts of interest and improper cumulation of roles in the public sector, especially in the context of political relationships. The case also raises questions about transparency and accountability in public service, as well as the need for clearer regulations regarding the cumulation of jobs in order to prevent misuse of public funds.
In conclusion, the closure of the preliminary investigation into Eric Ciotti and Caroline Magne by the PNF signals the lack of sufficient evidence to prosecute them for improper cumulation of public jobs. However, the case has brought attention to the broader issue of potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds in political and administrative roles. This highlights the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the public sector, as well as the need for clearer regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
