François Fillon: “I’m sorry, can I pay you back in installments?”
Ah, François Fillon! The man, the myth, the public fund embezzler! Convicted for scoring some pocket money through fictitious employment for his wife, Penelope, he now offers to repay nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly. I guess money can’t buy you love, but it can certainly help with damage control!
The Cheeky Offering
Yes, you heard it right! Fillon doesn’t just want to return the cash, he’s looking to do it gradually. That’s right, a cool 689,989.32 euros over the span of ten years! Or as I like to call it, a commitment more serious than most relationships I’ve seen. And what’s with that odd leftover change? Is he going to pay back in loose coins? Perhaps he’d like to throw in a few fivers, too, just for good measure?
Legal Fees and Other Joys
The plan doesn’t end with just returning the embezzled funds. Let’s not forget an additional 10,000 euros in legal costs. Yes, that’s right—Fillon’s learning that crime doesn’t just pay; it exacts a hefty price. It’s almost like getting a bill after ordering too many sides at dinner—”Sir, you ordered the crime; here’s the tab!”
Back to the Courtroom
Mark your calendars, folks! On November 25, our charming protagonist heads back to court for a new trial where “the sentence will be redefined.” It sounds like an episode of Law and Order: French Edition, where the plot twists just keep coming. Fillon’s strategy? He’d like to show he’s turned over a new leaf—a leaf that he’s definitely not stolen from the National Assembly’s garden.
Favors or Follies?
Rumor has it, Fillon wants to present himself in the best light possible, perhaps swaddled in a comfort blanket of repentance. According to sources close to the situation—because what legal battle would be complete without whispers from “a close source”?—he hopes to charm the court with his newfound dedication to making things right. A classic case of “Look, I’ve understood my mistakes! Please, can I have less jail time?”
A Comedy of Errors
And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen. Fillon continues to perform this absurd dance of accountability, reminding us all that politics is often a tragicomedy where the punchlines tend to fall flat on our wallets. Who knew that a former Prime Minister’s antics could turn into such riveting theatre? Grab your popcorn, because this show is far from over!
In conclusion, if you’re in need of a laugh or just want to feel better about your own financial choices, remember that no matter how hard the times may feel, at least you’re not facing the prospect of repaying nearly 700,000 euros for a fictitious job your spouse didn’t even know how to apply for.
Convicted of embezzlement of public funds, François Fillon offers to gradually reimburse nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly.
François Fillon, former French Prime Minister, convicted of embezzling public funds for employing his wife Penelope in a fictitious job, has offered to “return the money”. The agreement sent to the National Assembly provides for a payment of 689,989.32 euros spread over ten years.
This sum corresponds to the damages that François Fillon, his wife Penelope and Marc Joulaud, former substitute, were ordered to reimburse jointly. Added to this is a sum of 10,000 euros in legal costs.
A new trial in sight
Despite this reimbursement proposal, François Fillon will have to face justice again. On November 25, he will appear for a new trial aimed at redefining his sentence.
Also read Fictitious jobs: definitely guilty, François Fillon will see his sentence re-examined
According to a source close to the case cited by BFMTV, the former Prime Minister wishes to present himself in a favorable light before the court by showing his desire to repair the wrongs committed. “To avoid too heavy a sentence, François Fillon wants to present himself in his best light, showing that he has understood the facts and that he has finally planned to return the money”affirms this source.
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What are the potential impacts of François Fillon’s repayment plan on public trust in politicians in France?
**Interview with Political Analyst Lucie Martinet on François Fillon’s Financial Offering**
**Editor**: Welcome, Lucie! Today we’re diving into the curious case of François Fillon, who’s made headlines again with his offer to repay almost 700,000 euros to the National Assembly. What are your initial thoughts on his attempt to pay back this money in installments?
**Lucie Martinet**: Thanks for having me! Fillon’s proposal to repay the amount over a decade is certainly unconventional. It seems more like a tactic of damage control rather than a genuine effort to make amends. The broken-down sum makes it almost comical—689,989.32 euros is an exact figure that raises eyebrows. It feels less like a heartfelt apology and more like a maneuver to buy time.
**Editor**: Exactly! And the extra 10,000 euros in legal fees adds another layer to this saga. What does this say about his understanding of the consequences of his actions?
**Lucie Martinet**: It appears that Fillon is just beginning to grasp the financial and legal fallout from his actions. The legal fees are a harsh reminder that crime does come at a cost, both financially and reputationally. His decision to handle this financially over a long period may also suggest he thinks the public and the legal system will grow more lenient as time goes by.
**Editor**: Interesting perspective! With his upcoming court date on November 25, where he hopes to redefine his sentence, do you think this repayment plan could positively influence the court’s decision?
**Lucie Martinet**: It’s hard to say. Courts often look for genuine remorse and accountability, and Fillon’s strategy seems more about showcasing an attempt to rectify his mistakes rather than deep reflection. If he can present this plan as a sign of his dedication to making things right, it might sway the court, but I wouldn’t count on it being persuasive enough to reduce his sentence significantly.
**Editor**: You mentioned Fillon trying to present a new image of himself. Do you think the public will buy this change of heart?
**Lucie Martinet**: The public has seen this kind of political theatre before and might be skeptical. French citizens have a long memory when it comes to politicians who betray public trust. Fillon’s move to portray himself as repentant might seem more like a tactical ploy than a genuine transformation. It will take more than just words—or installments—to convince them he’s turned over a new leaf.
**Editor**: Lastly, what do you think the broader implications of this situation are for political accountability in France?
**Lucie Martinet**: This saga underscores a critical issue in our political landscape regarding accountability. Fillon’s actions have sparked conversations about corruption and ethics in politics. His spectacle of attempting to repay misappropriated funds could lead to public frustration or further debates on the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that while politics can be a tragicomedy, it also has real consequences for the public.
**Editor**: Thank you, Lucie, for your insights! The situation with François Fillon certainly opens up a lot of discussions about accountability and the future of political integrity in France. We’ll keep watching as this story unfolds!