FORGOTTEN JURISPRUDENCE
The trial of the Minister of Justice, Éric Dupond-Moretti, for conflict of interest began this week in Paris, arousing both curiosity and indignation. While expectations of exemplary behavior from politicians are increasingly strong, this affair highlights a certain feeling of impunity which seems to be taking over.
The Minister of Justice is accused of having used his position to settle scores linked to his past as a lawyer. Serious accusations which will be examined by the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR) for around ten days. If Éric Dupond-Moretti faces a prison sentence of five years, a fine of 500,000 euros as well as an additional penalty of ineligibility and prohibition from exercising public office, he nevertheless continues to exercise his functions throughout the duration of the trial.
This unprecedented situation in the history of the Fifth Republic calls into question the idea of an “exemplary Republic” so praised by President Macron during his campaign in 2017. While many politicians were forced to resign when Although they were indicted, Éric Dupond-Moretti benefited from the unfailing support of the Head of State and the Prime Minister. An attitude that can surprise and question citizens concerned about the ethics and integrity of people occupying positions of power.
The Minister of Justice does not resign, despite the accusations against him, and continues to fully exercise his functions. Arrangements have certainly been planned to ensure the proper functioning of public authorities and the continuity of the State, but this in no way removes the discomfort that this situation causes.
This situation contrasts with that experienced by other politicians in the past. François Bayrou, now mayor of Pau, had to leave the government following his involvement in the affair of the MoDem European parliamentary assistants, even though he was not even indicted at the time. The integrity of politicians seemed to be a priority for President Macron when he was elected, but the reality seems different today.
The feeling of impunity that seems to surround certain members of the government calls into question the confidence of citizens in their representatives. While the presumption of innocence must of course be respected, it is essential that measures are taken to preserve the integrity of institutions and show that no one is above the law.
The jurisprudence which required that an indicted minister resign to allow the proper functioning of the State seems to have been forgotten. It is time to ask ourselves whether the promises to “do politics differently” have been kept. Citizens deserve clear answers and concrete actions to restore confidence in politicians and guarantee real exemplarity. The trial of Éric Dupond-Moretti will be an opportunity to verify whether the values of transparency and integrity are still at the heart of our political system.