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
What led François Fillon to agree on a long repayment timeline of ten years for the funds he plans to return?
**Interview with François Fillon: Repaying the Past – A Comedy of Errors**
**Editor**: Good afternoon, Mr. Fillon! Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. You’ve offered to repay nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly—what prompted that decision?
**François Fillon**: Good afternoon! Well, after my conviction, I realized I had to take responsibility for my actions. I thought it was best to repay the funds and show that I am willing to make amends.
**Editor**: You’ve mentioned repaying this amount in installments over ten years. Why such a long timeline?
**François Fillon**: I believe this approach allows me to manage my finances better, while also demonstrating my commitment to rectifying my past mistakes. It’s a calculated move that reflects my genuine intention to clear my name.
**Editor**: Some people are raising eyebrows at the exact amount of 689,989.32 euros. Is that a significant number for a reason?
**François Fillon**: (chuckles) You know, it’s just a technical detail. My accountants worked it out, ensuring that I cover the full amount, including legal fees. I can assure you, I’m not planning on tossing in loose change!
**Editor**: Speaking of legal fees, you mentioned an additional 10,000 euros on that front. Has this experience taught you about the costs associated with the legal system?
**François Fillon**: Absolutely! It’s like ordering too much at dinner and then getting the bill you weren’t expecting. I learned the hard way that actions have consequences, and sometimes those consequences come with a hefty price tag!
**Editor**: You’re scheduled to return to court on November 25th for a new trial. What do you hope to achieve from this appearance?
**François Fillon**: My main goal is to present my case sincerely and demonstrate how I’ve turned over a new leaf. I want the court to see that I’ve reflected on my past mistakes and am committed to doing the right thing moving forward.
**Editor**: There are whispers you’re trying to charm the court with your newfound dedication. Is this about reducing your sentence, or are you genuinely remorseful?
**François Fillon**: I understand the perception, but I assure you, this is about accountability. I want to convey that I recognize what I did was wrong. The intention is not just to seek leniency but to foster genuine reform.
**Editor**: As this story continues to unfold, many are viewing your journey as a tragicomedy. What’s your take on that characterization?
**François Fillon**: (laughs) Life often feels like a stage, doesn’t it? It’s a mix of drama and humor. If my experience can provide a little levity in these serious discussions about ethics in politics, I suppose I can accept the role of the hapless protagonist!
**Editor**: Thank you, Mr. Fillon, for sharing your thoughts with us. We’ll certainly be watching how the next act unfolds in this peculiar theatre of politics.
**François Fillon**: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to engage in these discussions—albeit a complex one!
