Woerth inquiry merits politically independent investigation, says prosecutor
France's top prosecutor said Monday that alleged corruption investigations concerning Labour Minister Eric Woerth merit a politically independent investigation.
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Woerth's case is part of a tangled web of corruption allegations involving President Nicolas Sarkozy, his UMP party and France's richest woman, L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, that have dogged the presidency in recent months.
Prosecutor Jean-Louis Nadal recommended that an investigating magistrate probe allegations, rather than Nanterre prosecutor Philippe Courroye whose current inquiry has been criticised for being biased.
Nadal "recommends to the Versailles public prosecutor that the investigation continue within the framework of a preliminary investigation" carried out by an investigating magistrate.
Versailles prosecutor, Philippe Ingall-Montagnier, will now decide whether Courroye, who has been accused of being close to Sarkozy and therefore not independent, should continue his own probe.
An investigating magistrate would have more powers than a prosecutor, who can only carry out searches with the concerned party's agreement and has fewer options in terms of international cooperation.
Woerth is accused of obtaining a job for his wife from the man who manages Bettencourt's fortune, Philippe de Maistre, as well as helping the fund manager himself obtain France's top civilian honour.
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