Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has dismissed allegations of “embezzlement of public funds” and “illegal taking of interests” as a “media buzz.” He expressed frustration over the prolonged investigation, which began four years ago, emphasizing a lack of new evidence. The inquiry focuses on his roles in Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes, and whether any wrongdoing occurred under his sister’s leadership. Despite searches at his residence and offices, Tabarot insists he has acted transparently and has nothing to hide.
Transport Minister Defends Against Allegations
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has labeled the ongoing investigation regarding “embezzlement of public funds” and “illegal taking of interests” as merely “a media buzz.” Speaking on Franceinfo this Saturday, Tabarot expressed his frustration over the unfairness of the situation, emphasizing that it has persisted for four years without any substantial updates. “The only noteworthy development is my appointment as a minister in the meantime,” remarked the LR senator from Alpes-Maritimes.
Details of the Investigation
Tabarot, who joined François Bayrou’s government in late December, highlighted that he lacks comprehensive information about the preliminary investigation, which reportedly began four years ago. “No new evidence has surfaced, especially since Monday, when this media buzz emerged,” he stated. The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) initiated the investigation following a report from the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP) in July 2021. This inquiry aims to determine if Tabarot’s roles in Cannet, Alpes-Maritimes, between 2018 and 2020, particularly under the leadership of his sister, LR deputy Michèle Tabarot, involved any wrongdoing related to public funds.
According to his declaration of interests from November 30, 2020, Philippe Tabarot served as the director of the public interest group (GIP) for tourism and culture from April 2018 to July 2020, earning a net salary of 82,473 euros in 2019, which averages nearly 6,900 euros monthly. From August to November 2020, he received 17,997 euros net, or about 4,500 euros per month, as a project manager for tourism and cultural development in Cannet. Additionally, in 2019, he earned 15,318 euros as a communications officer for the municipality, translating to approximately 1,276 euros monthly.
During this period, Tabarot also held a position on the regional council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, where he earned around 40,000 euros net annually as vice-president responsible for transport from 2015 to 2021. His total declared income for 2019 was 137,872 euros net. Recent reports indicate that searches were conducted at his residence, Cannet town hall, and the offices of the Cannet GIP on November 30, 2022.
On Franceinfo, Tabarot maintained his composure regarding the investigation, stating, “I have operated with complete transparency and oversight from various entities. All my activities have been reported to the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life.” He reiterated his position when addressing the press during a recent trip, affirming, “I have nothing to feel guilty about… If I had committed any serious offense, I wouldn’t be part of this government.”