Investigation Opened into French Culture Minister’s Alleged Failure to Declare Luxury Jewelry

French prosecutors announced on Tuesday the opening of an investigation into Rachida Dati, the outgoing Culture Minister and prominent Parisian politician, following allegations that she failed to declare luxury jewelry valued at €420,000 upon taking office in January 2024. The inquiry was prompted by reports published in April stating that Dati omitted these assets from her official declarations.

The prosecution confirmed that the probe concerns the potential offence of non-declaration of jewelry, as reported to authorities. Dati, aged 59, who currently serves as mayor of Paris’s affluent 7th district and is aspiring to become Paris’s mayor next year, has rejected the claims.

In May, she stated, "I have never been found to be at fault in any declaration. So it’s not going to start today." She also revealed intentions to file a defamation complaint against the accusers.

According to asset disclosures reviewed by the media, Dati declared combined assets worth approximately €5.6 million, primarily in real estate, savings, and life insurance, but no mention was made of the stipulated luxury jewelry. The High Authority for Transparency in Public Office (HATVP) holds authority to take legal measures if evidence points to deliberate fraud or serious omissions.

Separately, Dati faces a corruption and abuse of power trial related to allegations that she lobbied for Renault-Nissan during her tenure as a member of the European Parliament. She denies these charges.

Meanwhile, France remains poised for the announcement of a new cabinet lineup after President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister amid an ongoing political crisis.