French presidential hopeful Edouard Philippe questioned in alleged embezzlement case

French authorities questioned Edouard Philippe, a presidential candidate and former prime minister, regarding alleged embezzlement linked to his tenure as mayor of Le Havre. He was designated as an "assisted witness," indicating a less severe legal status than formal investigation. Philippe's lawyer stated that this decision supports his client's innocence. Philippe, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020, has consistently denied the allegations and is currently running for the presidency with the center-right Horizons party, although he is behind in polls against far-right and far-left candidates.