French Culture Minister Rachida Dati is set to face trial on charges of passive corruption and receiving misappropriated funds. The case, known as "Le cas Dati," centers on advisory fees she received from the Renault-Nissan alliance while serving as a member of the European Parliament between 2009 and 2010.
According to judicial sources, Dati is accused of receiving approximately €900,000 from the carmaker for consultancy work that allegedly lacked substance. Prosecutors contend the payments were made in exchange for her influence as an MEP. Dati, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserts the payments were for legitimate legal consultancy services.
The investigation, which began in 2020, has led to a trial order from the investigating magistrates. The case has significant political implications as Dati is a high-profile minister in President Emmanuel Macron's government and a former justice minister under Nicolas Sarkozy. The trial date has not yet been set as of late March 2026.
