Former French minister Rachida Dati and ex-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn appeared in court in Paris on Wednesday for a trial that is expected to last six afternoons until September 28. The trial centers on allegations of corruption and influence peddling, with Dati facing charges related to a payment of 900,000 euros from Renault-Nissan while she was an EU parliamentarian.
L'ancienne ministre, who received 900,000 euros from Renault-Nissan, declared herself ready and determined to be judged, according to Franceinfo. The court proceedings began despite Ghosn's absence, as he had requested a postponement, which the court denied. The trial is set to explore the payments Dati received between 2010 and 2012, during her tenure as an EU parliamentarian, and their alleged connection to her legal representation of the carmaker.
Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Renault, is also on trial for corruption and influence peddling. The court decided to proceed with the trial despite his absence, stating that it was a maneuver to delay the judicial process. This decision was made after the court deliberated for nearly an hour on Wednesday, September 16.
Clémence Witt, from Transparency International France, expressed relief that the truth would finally be revealed, seventeen years after the initial events. The trial is expected to shed light on the payments and their implications for both Dati and Ghosn.
Rachida Dati's role as a former European Parliament member adds another layer to the case, as the payments were made while she held this position. The court's decision to proceed with the trial despite Ghosn's absence highlights the seriousness of the charges and the determination of the judicial system to address the allegations.
The trial is set to continue with the examination of evidence and testimonies over the next few weeks, with the final day scheduled for September 28. This case has significant implications for transparency and accountability in France's political and business spheres.