D-day for the Minister of Justice. The Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR) renders its decision on Wednesday, November 29, at 3 p.m., a little less than two weeks after the end of the trial of Eric Dupond-Moretti for illegal taking of interests. He is accused, in two separate cases, of having used his position as minister to settle scores with four magistrates whom he had publicly criticized when he was a lawyer. The hearing, which lasted ten days, was unprecedented. This is the first time that a serving Minister of Justice has been tried. The prosecution requested a one-year suspended prison sentence for the former tenor of the bar, nicknamed “Acquittator”, who became a member “respected” And “very identified” of the government. Follow our live stream.
A conviction that could cost him his job. The executive is feverishly awaiting this decision. Because if he is convicted, the Minister of Justice could be removed from the government. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne recalled the rule, “clear”, beginning of October. But Emmanuel Macron will surely have the last word and, according to information from franceinfo, the president is carefully studying the different options available to him. Until now, the head of state has maintained his confidence in him and refused to demand his resignation.
A defense on a thread. During the ten days of hearing, Eric Dupond-Moretti strived to demonstrate that the prosecution’s accusations were unfounded. No, he did not use his functions as Minister of Justice to settle scores with four magistrates whom he had criticized in public when he was a lawyer, he insisted. If he was offensive to deny any conflict or illegal taking of interests, he remained silent after the indictment and the pleading, not finding “nothing to add” when he was invited to speak one last time before the Court of Justice of the Republic withdrew.
A majority of eight votes required. The fate of the Minister of Justice rests in the hands of the CJR, the only jurisdiction empowered to judge acts committed by a member of the government. This jurisdiction is made up of three professional magistrates and 12 parliamentarians from all sides. Of these 15 judges, a majority of eight votes is necessary to convict or acquit Eric Dupond-Moretti, who faces five years in prison, a fine of 500,000 euros and an additional penalty of ineligibility. The CJR has long been accused of showing leniency towards the political leaders it has judged.