The first allegations were already known two years ago: In a real estate business of the French politician Richard Ferrand there might have been disagreements. Now the judiciary turns on.
This is reported by several media and the news agency AFP. Accordingly, a preliminary investigation was opened against the President of the National Assembly on suspicion of unauthorized interference. Ferrand told the AFP that he wanted to continue as President of the National Assembly - this is the House of Commons of Parliament.
Ferrand is a companion of French President Emmanuel Macron and a heavyweight of the government majority. Background of the judicial investigations is a real estate business from Ferrand's time as head of the health insurance associations of the Brittany region (read more about the first allegations here). Ferrand had earlier rejected the allegations.
Short term Minister of Housing
Ferrand officiated for a year as President of the National Assembly, previously he was fraction leader of the ruling party La République en Marche. The former socialist had accompanied Macron on his way to power and built his party founded in 2016. After Macron's election victory in May 2017 Ferrand sat for a short time as Minister of Housing in the Cabinet. But he had to leave after being targeted by critics for allegations of health insurance associations.
The initiation of proceedings in France means that investigators see "serious or consistent evidence" of misconduct. The trial may ultimately lead to a criminal trial if the investigators see enough evidence against the accused.
