In France, the police have searched the homes of politicians and top civil servants. The searches were in connection with an investigation into the French government’s approach to the corona crisis.
Early in the morning, the homes of former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, the current Minister of Health Olivier Verán and his predecessor Agnès Buzyn were raided. Their phones and computers have been confiscated, both business and private. Verán’s office has also been searched.
Deficiencies
The investigation appears to be focused on the question of why France faced a shortage of protective materials and equipment in the spring. Ninety complaints were filed in a special court by, among others, covid patients, doctors and prison and police personnel.
Like other countries, France was badly hit this spring. At the end of May, 29,000 French had died from the effects of the disease. There are now more than 33,000.
Too late
The complaint against Philippe and Buzyn is that they responded much too late to the outbreak of the pandemic last spring. The investigation is led by a body for the fight against corruption, financial crimes and tax fraud.
The court that ordered the investigation is the only French institution that can prosecute ministers for committing official crimes.
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