PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) - 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 prosecutor said 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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(Reporting by Michel Rose and Makini BriceEditing by Gareth Jones and Nick Zieminski)
