Justice rules in favor of Alexis Kohler, the serial commission skipper

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Everything is in order, you can move. Referred to by Eric Coquerel , the public prosecutor Laure Beccuau believes that the now former secretary general of the Élysée Palace, Alexis Kohler, should not be punished despite his refusal to appear before the commission of inquiry into the public finances' slippage. "I take note of this decision," wrote the rebellious president of the Finance Committee in a statement published on social media. Which, in political language, means "to be pissed off."

This is because the LFI representative from Seine-Saint-Denis is convinced that the failure to appear of Macron's former partner could be an offense under Article 6 of the Ordinance of November 17, 1958. Which states that "any person whose hearing a commission of inquiry has deemed useful is required to comply with the summons issued to him." But also that "a person who does not appear or refuses to testify or take an oath before a commission of inquiry is liable to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine of 7,500 euros." Beyond that, Coquerel remains convinced that Kohler's hearing "would have provided useful information [...] given his obvious involvement mentioned during the work" of the commission.

Before taking legal action, Eric Coquerel had given Alexis Kohler several chances. After an initial refusal from the former secretary general of the Élysée Palace, the rebel sent him a second letter—approved by the committee—urging him to attend his hearing, promising criminal action in the event of a further refusal. This threat was carried out, but without success. But the Seine-Saint-Denis MP can rest assured; there is no personal problem here. Alexis Kohler also dismissed out of hand the summons from the Senate commission of inquiry into bottled water.