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.
françois fillon France prime minister
How might Fillon’s upcoming trial be influenced by his decision to repay the National Assembly?
**Interview with Political Analyst Claire Dupont on François Fillon’s Repayment Proposal**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Claire. With François Fillon’s recent proposal to repay nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly in installments, what are your thoughts on the implications of this decision?
**Claire Dupont**: Thank you for having me. It’s quite a unique approach, isn’t it? Fillon’s plan to pay back this substantial sum over ten years raises a lot of eyebrows, especially given the circumstances of his conviction for embezzlement. It speaks volumes about how he may be trying to manage his public image amidst ongoing legal troubles.
**Editor**: Exactly. It sounds almost like a reluctant apology wrapped in a repayment plan. Do you think this move will affect public perception of him?
**Claire Dupont**: It certainly could. On one hand, offering to repay suggests a sense of responsibility and acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which may appeal to some constituents. However, many might view this as an attempt at damage control rather than genuine remorse, especially considering the long timeline.
**Editor**: And what about the legal ramifications? He’s due back in court on November 25th. How might his repayment offer impact his upcoming trial?
**Claire Dupont**: That’s crucial. Fillon may hope to use this as a statement of contrition before the court. Demonstrating a willingness to make amends could potentially soften the judge’s view of him. But, ultimately, the court will focus on the legality of his actions rather than his personal vow of repayment. The public and the judiciary will likely remain skeptical about his intentions.
**Editor**: There’s also an interesting notion of timing here. He has ten years to repay—do you think this is a strategic move to buy himself more time in the political arena?
**Claire Dupont**: Absolutely, it’s very much a strategy. By extending the repayment period, he’s keeping his name in the public discourse longer, which could work in his favor if he can navigate these legal waters correctly. It almost mirrors a long-term campaign rather than an immediate concession.
**Editor**: With reports suggesting he wants to present himself in a more favorable light, do you think we’ll be seeing more from Fillon in the near future?
**Claire Dupont**: I wouldn’t be surprised. The narrative he crafts now might set the stage for any future political ambitions. If he manages his image effectively post-trial, there is always a chance he could return, despite the controversies surrounding him. Politics is often an unpredictable game, and public memory can be short.
**Editor**: Very true, Claire. It seems like we’re at the beginning of another chapter in this unfolding saga. Thank you for your insights—this will certainly be a story to follow!
**Claire Dupont**: My pleasure! Let’s keep a close eye on this; it’s bound to be a dramatic ride.
