Former French head of government François Fillon has been sentenced to imprisonment for his wife’s mock employment. The remuneration was disproportionate.
France’s ex-premier François Fillon has been sentenced to five years in prison. A Paris court imposed this sentence on Monday, of which three years are suspended. Several French media reported this unanimously. His wife Penelope was also found guilty and sentenced to three years suspended. Both also have to pay a fine.
Salary disproportionate to work
Fillon appeared in court with his wife on Monday afternoon, as seen on television pictures. Both wore a protective mask against Corona. Fillon, head of government under President Nicolas Sarkozy, had employed his wife Penelope as an employee for years. She worked as a parliamentary assistant for her husband and his successor Marc Joulaud in the National Assembly. According to the court, this was a pseudo-employment. Joulard has now also been given a suspended sentence.
The judge said Penelope Fillon’s compensation was disproportionate to her activities, Franceinfo reported. They mainly sent mail. The Fillons had rejected the allegations several times. The media had revealed Penelope’s years of employment at parliamentary expense shortly before the 2017 presidential election. The allegations had ultimately burdened Fillon’s unsuccessful candidacy.
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