Billionaire Pierre-Édouard Stérin requests to be interviewed by videoconference by the commission of inquiry

Stérin, who became a billionaire with his gift box company Smartbox, is the initiator of a political project called "Pericles." He was summoned by a National Assembly commission of inquiry into "the organization of elections in France."

"Pierre-Édouard Stérin reaffirms his full availability to answer questions from parliamentarians" and "agrees to appear, via videoconference" at the hearing scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m., he announced in a press release on Monday. However, "to date, no confirmation or technical details regarding the organization of this remote hearing have been sent to him," the press release added.

Videoconferencing is "a format regularly used in the National Assembly," he argues, citing recent examples. Last week, Stérin had already requested that his hearing scheduled for Wednesday be held by videoconference, citing "security reasons" after receiving "death threats." His chair remained empty, and a new summons was sent.

Contacted on Monday, Renaissance MP Thomas Cazenave, chairman of the commission of inquiry, said he had taken the billionaire's concerns "very seriously." "This weekend, I had discussions with the Ministry of the Interior, which confirmed that it would take charge of Stérin's security so that he could travel without any difficulty [...] to the National Assembly," said Thomas Cazenave.

When asked, the Interior Ministry confirmed that it plans to ensure Pierre-Édouard Stérin's security, from his home to the National Assembly, "at the request of the committee chairman." "So I consider that there is no longer any real reason to justify his not appearing in person," said Thomas Cazenave, emphasizing that while other hearings have taken place remotely, they were in the context of "round tables" bringing together many people.

What happens if I am absent again?

If on Tuesday "we find that he is not there, there will be a new meeting of the commission of inquiry's office," the MP said. Last week, the commission had considered contacting the public prosecutor in the event of the businessman's further absence.

Refusal to appear before a commission of inquiry is punishable by two years' imprisonment and a €7,500 fine. "No one is above the law: Stérin's delaying tactics have gone on long enough," declared LFI MP Antoine Léaument, rapporteur for the commission of inquiry, on X.