Judge opens probe into politician Philippe over corruption charges, French media reports

* Philippe had been considered by ⁠some ​as the best-placed mainstream candidate to beat the far-right National Rally (RN) candidate in next year's election. * Marine Le Pen, the French far-right ⁠leader, was handed a five-year ban from holding public office after she and ⁠eight other former ⁠RN lawmakers were found guilty of misusing over 4 million euros in EU funds.

A French judge has ​opened a probe into centrist politician ​Edouard Philippe over accusations of ‌misappropriation ​of public funds, favoritism, conflict of interest and extortion, French media reported on Tuesday. * Philippe, who ‌was prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron for three years and who recently won re-election as mayor of the northern city of Le Havre, is ‌vying to become president in next year's election.

* "Edouard Philippe acknowledges the ‌opening of a judicial investigation. He learned about it in the press. And he will respond to all of the questions from judicial authorities as he always has - in ⁠a ​very calm manner," ⁠a spokesperson said. * A spokesperson for the French financial prosecutor's office did not immediately ⁠respond to a request for comment.

* Police searched Philippe's office premises in ​2024 as part of a preliminary probe into corruption. His office ⁠said at the time that he was cooperating with authorities. * Philippe had been considered by ⁠some ​as the best-placed mainstream candidate to beat the far-right National Rally (RN) candidate in next year's election.

* Marine Le Pen, the French far-right ⁠leader, was handed a five-year ban from holding public office after she and ⁠eight other former ⁠RN lawmakers were found guilty of misusing over 4 million euros in EU funds. She has appealed the ‌decision.