Targeted by an investigation by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) for favoritism, Olivier Dussopt received the support of Emmanuel Macron on Friday, the date of the Mediapart revelations. “The president supported him professionally and personally,” says a close associate of the head of state.
“No one can imagine how protective the president is at times like these,” said a source within the executive.
Emmanuel Macron has already supported other members of the government in the midst of a storm in the past, such as Eric Dupond-Moretti or Gérald Darmanin.
In addition to the support of the Head of State, Olivier Dussopt also received a standing ovation this Tuesday morning, during the meeting of the Renaissance group in the National Assembly. Until Friday, Matignon had indicated that the Labor Minister retained “all the confidence” of Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
Two lithographs in the center of the issue
According to Mediapart revelations this Friday, the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) has reserved the crime of “favouritism” for a future trial against Olivier Dussopt, which will be related to a public contract entered into at the end of the 2000s with Saur. cluster.
The investigation had been launched in relation to two lithographs by the painter Gérard Garouste that had been offered to him by a local leader from Saur in 2017, when Olivier Dussopt was mayor of Annonay (Ardèche). He then returned the paintings.
“There is no prosecution for corruption, nor for taking (illegal) interest, nor for enrichment,” replied Olivier Dussopt, a guest of France Inter on Saturday.
On the suspicion of favoritism, which he “rejects”, the Labor Minister said he was determined “during the next few weeks, the next months to explain how things happened, to convince of (his) good faith” and avoid a trial. .
Source: BFM TV
