12/09/2019 16:14
Macron ally Ferrand investigated over financial misconduct
A close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron is being investigated over allegations of financial misconduct linked to property deals.
Richard Ferrand, the president of the French National Assembly, is alleged to have benefited improperly from business agreements made seven years ago.
Mr Ferrand denies any wrongdoing.
The case could bring President Macron's promise to clean up politics into question, although many investigations are dropped before going to court.
Mr Ferrand, who was a prominent member of Mr Macron's presidential campaign team in 2017, is an important figure in French politics.
As speaker of the National Assembly, he ranks fourth in the state hierarchy under the French constitution.