(ANSA) - PARIS, OCTOBER 19 - The Paris court today ordered the hearing of the former President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, as a witness at the trial of the "Elysée polls", an investigation that has seen 5 of his defendants since yesterday former collaborators during the years of the presidential term (2007-2012).
In the investigation, Sarkozy is not under investigation as he is protected by presidential immunity.
Called into question by the anti-corruption association Anticor, which appeared as a civil party, the former head of state had made it known in a letter to the judges that he did not intend to go to the courtroom to testify.
The court instead ordered today that Sarkozy be led into the courtroom by the public force for questioning on November 2.
The scandal of the polls has highlighted the numerous opinion polls paid by the Elysée on the popularity of the president, on his reforms or on current affairs, but also on his political rivals or on the image of his wife, CarlaBruni.
For a month, the court must examine the validity of the suspicions of favoritism and transfer of public funds regarding some contracts concluded by the Elysée, without publicity or competition.
(HANDLE).
