Key facts
- Former French minister Rachida Dati is on trial for corruption.
- Dati is accused of taking €900,000 from Renault-Nissan between 2009 and 2013.
- Magistrates allege the payments were for lobbying work and facilitating contacts with then-President Nicolas Sarkozy.
- Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Renault-Nissan, is also on trial but is absent.
- Dati denies the allegations.
- If convicted, Dati faces up to 10 years in jail and a ban from public office.
Former French minister Rachida Dati has gone on trial in Paris, facing accusations of corruption related to alleged payments from Renault-Nissan in exchange for political influence. Magistrates contend that the car giant paid Dati €900,000 between 2009 and 2013, ostensibly for legal services, but in reality to secure lobbying efforts and facilitate contacts with then-President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Dati, who served as justice minister under Sarkozy and culture minister under Emmanuel Macron, denies the allegations. Her lawyers are expected to contest the charges, which carry a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, a substantial fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office. This could impact her position as mayor of the wealthy 7th district of Paris, a role she has held since 2008.
Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Renault-Nissan, is also facing trial in connection with the case. He denies any wrongdoing but will be absent from court, having been a fugitive in Lebanon since 2019. Dati's bid to become mayor of Paris in March was unsuccessful, with her trial becoming a point of contention during the campaign.
Anti-corruption groups, acting as civil plaintiffs, have highlighted the case as an illustration of the risks posed by private interests influencing public decision-making and are advocating for stricter lobbying regulations in France.