French presidential hopeful Édouard Philippe quizzed in embezzlement case

French investigators on Thursday questioned presidential candidate Édouard Philippe, a former prime minister, in a case of alleged embezzlement, sources close to the case told AFP. Two investigating magistrates handling allegations of misuse of public funds, favouritism and harassment designated Philippe an "assisted witness" in the affair – a less serious status than being placed under formal investigation. The case is linked to Philippe's position as mayor of the northern port city of Le Havre. WatchDoes the French right have a chance of defeating the far right in the election? Asked about the status of assisted witness, his lawyer, Emmanuel Marsigny, told AFP: "Édouard Philippe welcomes this favourable decision, which confirms that he has done nothing wrong in this matter." Jerome Karsenti, lawyer for the former civil servant who filed the complaint that led to the investigation, told AFP Thursday they welcomed the fact that the investigation was advancing. On the magistrates' decision not to place Philippe under formal investigation, Karsenti said they would review their exchanges with him "as soon as possible in order to understand the judges' reasoning in light of facts that ...