French Labour and Social Affairs Minister Eric Woerth, implicated in several scandals, said on Saturday he had President Nicolas Sarkozy’s full support.
“He is supporting me in an incredible manner,” Mr. Woerth told i—Tele news television. “I have never seen a president of the republic support one of his ministers to such an extent.” Mr. Woerth has been accused of accepting an illegal contribution of 150,000 euros (190,000 dollars) in cash for Mr. Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign from Liliane Bettencourt, one of the richest women in the world. He was campaign treasurer at the time.
French election law forbids individual campaign contributions of more than 4,600 euros, and stipulates that any contribution above 150 euros must be donated online or by cheque, with the contributor clearly identified.
The accusation came from Bettencourt’s former accountant, Claire Thibout, who also told the online publication Mediapart that Ms. Bettencourt and her late husband customarily gave large sums of money to conservative politicians, including Mr. Sarkozy.
According to media reports, Ms. Thibout has amended her statements under police interrogation by saying that Mr. Sarkozy had “possibly” received money from the Bettencourts when he was mayor of the Paris suburb of Neuilly—sur—Seine.
The public prosecutor of Nanterre, Philippe Courroye, has opened an investigation into Ms. Thibout’s statements. The daily Le Parisien reported on Saturday that three witnesses have confirmed Ms. Thibout’s statements to the police.
Mr. Woerth has also been accused of turning a blind eye to Mr. Bettencourt’s alleged attempt to evade paying French taxes while he was budget minister.
On Friday, investigators seized professional files of Mr. Woerth’s wife, Florence, who until two weeks ago worked for a company that helped manage Mr. Bettencourt’s fortune, which is estimated at about 15 billion euros.
An investigation has also been opened into the allegations of tax evasion.
Mr. Sarkozy is scheduled to appear on national television late Monday to answer questions about a host of issues, including the affairs that are severely damaging his standing.
According to several recent polls, only one of three French adults have a positive opinion of the president.
