Former French PM tried for plotting against Sarkozy
World
Former French PM tried for plotting against Sarkozy
The former French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, goes on trial on Monday charged with plotting to discredit President Nicolas Sarkozy. he is alleged to manipulate a judicial investigation to hurt Mr Sarkozy's chances of winning the 2007 presidential election. If found guilty, Mr de Villepin could face up to five years in jail and a 45,000 euro (41,000) fine. The former prime minister, however, denies any wrongdoing. The case dates back five years, when Nicolas Sarkozy's name appeared on a list of top politicians and businessmen sent to Mr de Villepin. It was alleged those named on the list had received bribes from international arms sales. When a judge concluded the listings were false, the focus of the investigation quickly became who was behind the spurious allegations. Magistrates want to know whether that person was Mr de Villepin, and whether he attempted to conduct a campaign against Mr Sarkozy to spoil his reputation and lessen his chances of winning the presidential election. Mr de Villepin was questioned in December 2006 and has been under investigation since 2007. The hearing is expected to last at least four weeks, but a verdict is not expected until several months later.
