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 influence public perception of political accountability in France?
**Interview with Political Analyst, Dr. Claire Beaumont, on François Fillon’s Latest Legal Developments**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Beaumont! Let’s dive into the recent news surrounding François Fillon. He’s been in the headlines again for his unusual proposal to repay nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly in installments. What do you make of this approach?
**Dr. Beaumont**: Thank you for having me! Fillon’s installment plan certainly raises eyebrows. It’s quite unprecedented for someone in his position to suggest such a long-term payment scheme rather than a lump sum. It almost feels like he’s trying to soften the blow of his conviction, doesn’t it?
**Editor**: Absolutely! The sum he proposes is quite specific—689,989.32 euros. Any thoughts on the significance of that exact figure?
**Dr. Beaumont**: It is indeed curious. The decimal points suggest a level of detail that’s almost absurd, as if he wants to show he’s being meticulous about his repayment. However, it could also be interpreted as an attempt to distract the public from the larger implications of his actions. And let’s not forget the 10,000 euros in legal fees—almost as if he’s hoping for sympathy on costs incurred from his own mistakes.
**Editor**: Speaking of distractions, Fillon is scheduled to return to court for a new trial on November 25. What do you anticipate will happen there?
**Dr. Beaumont**: This will be critical. Fillon appears to be leveraging his repayment proposal as a way to mitigate sentencing, hoping to portray himself as reformed. Yet, whether the court will be swayed by this act of contrition remains to be seen. Courts typically weigh actions and accountability heavily, and the optics of asking for leniency while repaying the funds could seem disingenuous.
**Editor**: His strategy seems to revolve around redemption. Do you think it’s effective, given his past?
**Dr. Beaumont**: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, he’s attempting to demonstrate remorse, which can resonate positively. On the flip side, public sentiment—and the sentiment of the courtroom—may not be so forgiving, especially given the scale of the embezzlement and the controversy that surrounded his initial trial. Ultimately, it seems like a “Hail Mary” move more than a calculated strategy.
**Editor**: what does this entire saga reveal about the intersection of politics and accountability in France?
**Dr. Beaumont**: Fillon’s situation illustrates how political accountability can often feel like a tragicomedy—full of twists, turns, and moments where one wonders if the characters are even aware of the absurdity of their actions. It reflects a broader narrative about the expectations placed on public officials and the increasing demand for integrity. For many citizens, these spectacles serve as reminders of the distance between political rhetoric and real-world consequences.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Beaumont, for sharing your insights on this unfolding situation. We’ll definitely keep an eye on how things develop with François Fillon!
