Macron's Defense of Kohler Sparks Opposition From Anticor Watchdog
Macron defended Kohler to prosecutors; Anticor opposes dropping charges.
Event / Politics
Alexis Kohler Conflict of Interest Case
Prosecution seeks dismissal of conflict of interest charges against Alexis Kohler, former Secretary General of the Élysée, regarding alleged participation in government decisions affecting MSC shipping company during his service in state positions (2009-2016). Following statute of limitations ruling in July 2026, an investigating judge must decide whether to dismiss or proceed to trial.
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2026-09-23 to 2026-11-02 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Sept, 15:06 UTC
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What happened
Statute of limitations eliminates charges against Alexis Kohler for pre-2014 conduct
In July 2026, the Paris Court of Appeals ruled that all facts prior to 2014 in the MSC investigation were subject to statute of limitations. This decision significantly narrowed the scope of the case against Kohler, who was investigated for allegedly participating in decisions affecting MSC while serving at the State Shareholding Agency (APE) between 2009-2012 and at the Finance Ministry between 2012-2016.
Charges dismissed against co-defendants Jean-Dominique Comolli and Bruno Bézard
Following the Paris Court of Appeals ruling on statute of limitations, prosecutions for complicity against high-ranking officials Jean-Dominique Comolli and Bruno Bézard were abandoned in connection with the MSC investigation.
Prosecutors request dismissal of charges against Alexis Kohler in illegal conflict of interest case
The National Financial Prosecutor (PNF) requested dismissal of charges against Alexis Kohler, former Secretary General of the Élysée, in an investigation into alleged illegal conflict of interest related to his family ties with shipping company MSC. The dismissal request was issued and signed on August 31, 2026. An investigating judge must now decide whether to follow the prosecution's recommendation and close the case, or proceed to trial.
Alexis Kohler formally indicted in 2022 in conflict of interest investigation
Alexis Kohler was put under formal investigation in 2022 for alleged illegal conflict of interest related to his family connections to MSC, the Franco-Italian shipping company directed by his mother's cousins, the Aponte family. He has consistently contested the allegations.
Emmanuel Macron sends personal note to prosecutors defending Kohler in 2019
In mid-2019, President Emmanuel Macron sent a personal note to the National Financial Prosecutor expressing confidence in his Secretary General Alexis Kohler and asserting that Kohler never intervened in MSC-related matters while serving as his cabinet director at the Finance Ministry. The note generated significant controversy regarding potential presidential interference in judicial proceedings.
Alexis Kohler served as Secretary General of the Élysée from 2017 to 2025
Alexis Kohler, age 53, held the position of Secretary General of the Élysée Palace from 2017 to 2025 under President Emmanuel Macron. He previously served as Macron's cabinet director at the Ministry of Economy. He is now Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Société Générale.
Anticor civil society organization opposes prosecution dismissal
The anti-corruption association Anticor, which filed the original complaint in 2018 after Mediapart investigations revealed potential conflict of interest, filed as a civil party in the case. Following the prosecutor's dismissal request, Anticor's lawyer Jean-Baptiste Soufron criticized the decision, stating that the prosecutors have opposed allowing an independent judge and tribunal to examine the evidence in this case.
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2 alternative perspectives
Prosecutors Move to Dismiss Charges Against Former Official Kohler
Prosecutors seek to dismiss Kohler charges based on statute of limitations for pre-2014 conduct.