Sarkozy 'under investigation'

2007-09-19 12:02

Paris - The district attorney of the city of Nanterre has opened a preliminary investigation into the 1997 purchase of a flat by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, Sarkozy received a €300 000 discount on the purchase price of the flat in the city of Neuilly-sur-Seine, of which he was mayor at the time.

Sarkozy reportedly bought the flat from a firm Neuilly City Hall conducted business with.

A resident of the city filed a complaint in April regarding the transaction, which was rejected by the court, the weekly reported.

The individual then notified the police, who questioned him about the complaint. Nanterre district attorney, Philippe Courvoye, initiated the investigation on the basis of that interview.

When the affair was made public at the time by Le Canard Enchaine, Sarkozy - who was then campaigning for the presidency - denied the allegations.

Because he benefits from presidential immunity, Sarkozy cannot be charged while in office.

However, the affair could severely damage his image, particularly at a time when he is trying to convince the French that a profound reform of their welfare system is necessary. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA