Rachida Dati's Corruption Trial Sees Defense Attempt to Delay Her Testimony

Former minister and current mayor of Paris’ 7th arrondissement, Rachida Dati, is on trial facing allegations that she received illicit payments amounting to 900,000 euros from Renault-Nissan between 2010 and 2012. These payments are connected to the period when Carlos Ghosn was the CEO of Renault-Nissan, who himself is being tried for corruption, albeit in absentia.

During proceedings on September 18, 2026, Dati’s defense sought to postpone her interrogation, signaling a strategic move to manage the trial's flow amid complex evidence and high-profile allegations. The trial centers on accusations that these funds were improperly transferred to Dati, raising serious questions regarding corruption tied to the automotive giant's leadership.

Carlos Ghosn’s involvement remains a pivotal aspect, though he is not physically present in court. The case shines a spotlight on the intersection of political influence and corporate misconduct during his tenure at the helm of Renault-Nissan.

The defense’s attempt to delay Dati’s questioning reflects ongoing legal maneuvering in what has become a prominent case of suspected political and corporate corruption. This trial is an important chapter in France’s efforts to address alleged elite misconduct and restore public trust.