The national financial prosecutor’s office appointed an investigating judge on May 7 over suspicions of public funds misuse involving Edouard Philippe as head of the Le Havre urban community.
A whistleblower had reported the alleged facts to the national financial prosecutor’s office in September 2023. An investigation was opened and searches were carried out in April 2024. The complainant later filed a complaint with civil party status in June 2025.
The introductory indictment of May 7 allows the investigating judge to define the scope of the inquiries. They concern suspicions of public funds misuse, favoritism, illegal taking of interest and concussion.
Edouard Philippe’s entourage, mayor of Le Havre and president of Horizons, stated he would answer justice’s questions serenely. The facts have been contested from the start by the former prime minister, who is preparing for the 2027 presidential election.
The complaint also targeted Stéphanie de Bazelaire, deputy for innovation, and Claire-Sophie Tasias, director general of services. It concerned an agreement signed in 2020 for the animation of the Cité numérique du Havre by the association LH French Tech, which was placed in judicial liquidation in 2023.
