Rachida Dati, the mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, began her trial on Wednesday at the Paris Correctional Court for corruption and traffic of influence. According to Franceinfo, Dati faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of 450,000 euros. The trial is scheduled to last six afternoons until September 28, 2026.
Dati is described as "determined and combative" before her trial, according to Franceinfo. The prosecution alleges that Dati received 900,000 euros from Renault-Nissan as an attorney between 2010 and 2012. Dati's defense team claims she worked exclusively as an attorney for Renault-Nissan during this period, as reported by Franceinfo.
Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Renault, is also on trial alongside Dati. The trial involves Renault-Nissan, which is a key player in the proceedings, according to Franceinfo. The defense argues that Dati's work was solely as an attorney for Renault-Nissan, as stated by her defense attorneys Olivier Pardo, Olivier Baratelli, and Antoine Beauquier.
The trial is expected to focus on Dati's actions as an attorney for Renault-Nissan, as per Franceinfo. This includes the effectiveness of her work and the allegations of corruption and traffic of influence. The proceedings will continue until September 28, 2026, with sessions held in the afternoons.
The trial's opening marks the beginning of a significant legal process for both Dati and Ghosn, as reported by Franceinfo. The defense team will present evidence to support their claims that Dati's work was exclusively as an attorney for Renault-Nissan, aiming to demonstrate the legitimacy of her actions.