UPDATE 1-French judge opens probe into politician Philippe over corruption charges

A French judge ​has opened an inquiry into ‌centrist politician ​Edouard Philippe over accusations of harassment, misappropriation of public funds, favouritism, conflict of interest and ‌extortion, the French financial prosecutorsaid on Tuesday.

* Philippe, who was prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron for three years and who recently won re-election as ‌mayor of the northern city of Le Havre, is vying to ‌become president in next year's election. * "Edouard Philippe acknowledges the opening of a judicial investigation. He learned about it in the press. And he will respond to all of ⁠the ​questions from judicial ⁠authorities as he always has - in a very calm manner," a spokesperson said.

* ⁠Police searched Philippe's office premises in 2024 as part of a preliminary probe ​into corruption. His office said at the time that he was ⁠cooperating with authorities. * Philippe had been considered by some as the best-placed mainstream candidate ⁠to ​beat the far-right National Rally (RN) candidate in next year's election.

* Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader, was handed a five-year ⁠ban from holding public office after she and eight other former RN lawmakers ⁠were found ⁠guilty of misusing over 4 million euros in EU funds. She has appealed the decision. *

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