Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport, Under Investigation for Misappropriation of Public Funds and Illegal Interests

Philippe Tabarot, the Minister of Transport, is currently under preliminary investigation for allegations of misappropriation of public funds, illegal interests, and the concealment of these offenses. This investigation, initiated by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, follows a report by the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life in July 2021.

Philippe Tabarot’s Positions and Suspicions of Favoritism

Philippe Tabarot, former senator of Alpes-Maritimes, is suspected of holding several public positions, particularly within the Tourist and Cultural Public Interest Group (GIP) of the town of Le Cannet, between 2018 and 2020. The town, which was headed at the time by his sister Michèle Tabarot, a member of the conservative party, allegedly served as a platform to place her brother at the head of the GIP right after he left his position as chief of staff at the Le Cannet City Hall in March 2018.

In 2019, Philippe Tabarot reported income amounting to 137,872 euros, from his roles as communications officer for the City Hall of Le Cannet (15,318 euros), director of the GIP (82,473 euros), and regional councilor (40,081 euros). The investigation is also focusing on whether these remuneration amounts align with the roles he held, and whether the accumulation of positions and salaries was lawful.

Minister’s Response to the Allegations

In response to these allegations, Philippe Tabarot expressed confidence and full trust in the transparency of his actions. “I have nothing to reproach myself for,” he stated, adding that he had not yet been questioned by investigators. He emphasized that had his actions been reprehensible, he would not have been chosen to be part of the current government.

A search was conducted in November 2022 at his home and at the offices of the GIP of Le Cannet, but the preliminary investigation remains ongoing. According to the Minister, these events go back over four years, and he remains confident that the documents will prove the legitimacy of his work.