Rachida Dati Faces Trial for Corruption, Impacting Political Future

Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of corruption and influence peddling, a development that casts uncertainty on her political future and aspirations for the 2026 Paris mayoralty. The trial is set to commence with a preliminary hearing on September 29, 2025, amidst serious allegations that she received €900,000 from Renault for consultancy services that she allegedly did not provide during her tenure in the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019.

Despite these serious allegations, President Emmanuel Macron has chosen to retain Dati in her government role, acknowledging the trial decision while emphasizing his support for her. Dati has publicly stated her resolve to remain in her position, asserting, "I will not back down on anything" and signaling her intent to appeal the court’s decision, which she views as a personal attack. Her legal troubles, however, complicate her campaign for mayor of Paris as upcoming municipal elections loom.

Political analysts suggest that the timing of her trial, which falls shortly before the elections, raises questions about her viability as a candidate. Éric Decouty, a political analyst, highlighted the internal tensions within Dati's party, Les Républicains (LR), remarking that while Dati may face no immediate repercussions in her ministerial role, her prospect in the mayoral race is increasingly tenuous, especially with competitors like Michel Barnier positioning themselves for the legislative seat in Paris.

As part of an ongoing investigation since 2019, Dati is not the only high-profile figure implicated; former Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, who has been facing an international arrest warrant, is also involved. Ghosn contests the charges against him, which revolve around abuse of power and corruption during his leadership at Renault.

The unfolding legal battles of Dati and Ghosn not only pose challenges for the individuals directly involved but also potentially shift the political landscape in France, testing the resilience of party loyalties and the public's perception of corruption.