PREVIEW

Former French Minister Rachida Dati Goes On Trial Over Alleged Renault-Nissan Lobbying. Former French Justice and Culture Minister Rachida Dati has gone on trial in Paris on corruption charges linked to payments from Renault-Nissan. Dati received €900,000 from the carmaker between 2009 and 2013 under a contract stating that she was providing legal services. Investigating magistrates allege the contract instead disguised payments for lobbying work while Dati served as a member of the European Parliament. Prosecutors allege former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recruited Dati to lobby European lawmakers and help facilitate contacts with former President Nicolas Sarkozy. Both Dati and Ghosn deny wrongdoing, while Ghosn will be absent from the trial after living as a fugitive in Lebanon since 2019. If convicted, Dati could face up to 10 years in prison, a substantial fine and a five-year ban from holding public office. Dati returned to government as Culture Minister in 2024 before resigning in February to run unsuccessfully for Mayor of Paris. Anti-corruption groups involved in the case say it highlights the need for stricter rules governing political lobbying in France.
Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT