Bayrou's swift resignation as Justice Minister signals career fallout
Bayrou resigned as Justice Minister after one month amid ongoing EU funds investigation, compounding prior political losses.
Event / Politics
François Bayrou EU Funds Trial
Former French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces retrial on charges of misappropriating European Parliament funds (2005-2017). The MoDem party allegedly used EU assistant budgets to pay staff who worked for the party. Bayrou was acquitted at first instance in February 2024 but the prosecution appealed. The appeal trial began September 9, 2026, and is expected to run four weeks.
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2026-09-09 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 Sept, 07:00 UTC
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What happened
First instance court ruled insufficient evidence against Bayrou for direct involvement
The correctional tribunal in February 2024 determined that while misappropriation of EU funds occurred, no evidence showed François Bayrou directly ordered the five MEPs to fictitiously employ parliamentary assistants. Though the court found it 'very probable' that three defendants acted with his authorization, it noted no proof of this authorization was presented, leading to his acquittal 'for the benefit of the doubt.'
François Bayrou faces appeal trial in MoDem parliamentary assistants case
François Bayrou, former Prime Minister and leader of the MoDem party, appeared before the Paris Court of Appeal starting September 9, 2026, in a case involving European parliamentary assistants. He was acquitted at first instance in February 2024 but the prosecution appealed the decision. The trial involves 14 defendants total, including former Justice Minister Michel Mercier and five former MEPs.
Bayrou resigned as Justice Minister one month after appointment due to investigation
François Bayrou was forced to resign from the government in 2017, only one month after being appointed Justice Minister (Garde des Sceaux), due to the parliamentary assistants investigation that had begun seven years earlier.
MoDem accused of using EU funds to pay party staff as parliamentary assistants
The MoDem party (formerly UDF) is accused of using European Parliament funds between 2005 and 2017 to pay parliamentary assistants who actually worked for the party. Ten contracts totaling €250,000 were retained by the court as evidence of misappropriation of public funds. The scheme allegedly helped the party cope with financial difficulties by reducing its payroll.
Bayrou lost mayoral position and failed presidential candidacies
Following legal troubles, François Bayrou lost his position as mayor of Pau. He has unsuccessfully run for president three times and announced he will not run in 2027. His colleagues Jean-Noël Barrot and Marc Fesneau are positioning themselves as potential successors to lead the MoDem party.
Former MEPs and Michel Mercier convicted in first instance
Five former MEPs and former Justice Minister Michel Mercier were convicted in February 2024 to sentences of 10 to 18 months imprisonment with probation, €10,000 to €50,000 in fines, and two years of ineligibility with probation. The UDF party received €100,000 in fines and the MoDem €300,000 in permanent fines.
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Bayrou faces appeal trial in MoDem EU funds case
Bayrou returns to court in appeal over MoDem's alleged misuse of EU parliamentary funds.