Penelope Fillon, or the subtle art of staying in the shadows while filling one’s pockets. In 2024, François Fillon, former disgraced Prime Minister, made a surprising proposal. After years of twists worthy of a TV series, he made a major decision. He proposed to repay nearly 700,000 euros to the National Assembly. A staggering sum, reflecting the past ambition of the political leader. A look back at a saga where the absurd flirts with scandal.
Penelope Fillon: administrative ghost or paid muse?
In the discreet yet ruthless world of French politics, Penelope Fillon long embodied discreet invisibility. "She is essential," her husband claimed. Essential, certainly, but invisible to her colleagues, collaborators, and anyone who might have tried to encounter her around an office corner.
From 1998 to 2013, the withdrawn spouse received a considerable sum. She allegedly received 500,000 euros gross. However, the tasks for which she was paid are rather mysterious. They belong more to the realm of mystery than paperwork. No written report, no findable note, and colleagues unable to confirm her presence. It’s almost an achievement. Yet, her pay slips were indeed real.
François Fillon: repentant strategist or financial illusionist?
Convicted for orchestrating these fictitious jobs, François Fillon played a financial joker: repay over ten years, without interest, in monthly installments that resemble more a loan for a second home than a mea culpa. Total amount of the operation: 679,989.32 euros, plus 10,000 euros in legal fees. A discount on ethics? Perhaps.
Why this sudden generosity? Cynics see it as a maneuver to soften the justice system before his new appeal trial on November 25. His lawyers mention "good faith". However, his detractors see things differently. They suspect an attempt to avoid prison. This strategy would consist of replacing the prison sentence with scheduled payments.
Ten years to mop up, a decade to forget?
The proposal is as simple as it is clever: repay over ten years, as if the National Assembly agreed to become a credit institution. But the past is never far away. And if François Fillon stopped his payments? Could Penelope consider a return as a parliamentary assistant to make ends meet? We are already awaiting the next twists.
Beyond the comedy of the situation, this saga poses a problem. Indeed, it remains a thorn in the side of the Assembly. The reputation of the Assembly has taken a serious hit. Accept or refuse the terms of this arrangement? A decision heavy with symbols, but light on the bank account.
Penelopegate: the affair that put France on pause
In January 2017, the Canard Enchaîné dropped a bombshell: Penelope Fillon, handsomely paid for a parliamentary job she allegedly performed from… her home in Sarthe. This scandal turned the presidential election upside down, ruining François Fillon’s chances of settling in the Élysée. Worse still, it shone the spotlight on this woman. She was previously in the shadows. Despite herself, she became the star of a political soap opera.
In 2022, the verdict fell: François Fillon, sentenced to four years in prison, one of which is firm, and a fine of 375,000 euros. Penelope, two years suspended and a fine of 375,000 euros as well. Total bill? Nearly a million euros.
An epilogue with British humor?
On one side, François Fillon plays the card of the "repentant good payer." On the other, Penelope seems more at ease, perhaps immersed in an English novel at the back of her leather lounge. But behind appearances lies a much more down-to-earth reality: will the repayments be enough to restore their image?
As the legal saga continues, one thing is certain: internet users follow each twist with the attention reserved for the best dramatic comedies. See you on November 25, to discover the next episode of this saga, where tragedy and satire keep crossing paths.