French President Francois Hollande on Friday vigorously denounced suggestions by the conservative presidential hopeful that he is trying to discredit political rivals behind the scenes by using dirty tricks.
The clash between the Socialist Hollande and right-wing Francois Fillon threatens to further stain the French presidential campaign, already coloured by a stream of corruption scandals and voter frustration with the political establishment.
It has also drawn comparisons to President Donald Trump’s accusations of wiretapping by predecessor Barack Obama, and Trump’s attacks on the US judicial system.
Fillon, whose presidential bid is flailing because of a suspected corruption charges, told France-2 television Thursday night that he wants an investigation into suggestions in an upcoming book that Hollande intervenes in legal cases for political reasons.
Hollande, who is not seeking re-election, responded in a statement saying he “condemns these false allegations with the greatest firmness.” He insisted he had never intervened in any judicial procedure, including the recent investigation into accusations that Fillon employed family members for parliamentary jobs they never performed.
Asked if there is a “cabinet noir,” Hollande said, “There is an administration, fortunately, that functions. But it is not for us to meddle in judicial affairs, and my position has always been for the independence of the justice system.”
Voters appear fed up with both Fillon’s conservative and Hollande’s Socialists. For the first time in generations, neither party is likely to win the presidency this year.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
