Home News Rachida Dati on Trial for Renault-Nissan Corruption Charges

Former French Minister Faces Trial in Renault-Nissan Corruption Case

Sep 16, 2026
68 min
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Sep 16, 2026 06:32
French ex-minister Dati goes on trial in Renault-Nissan corruption case

## Background

Rachida Dati, a former French culture minister, is set to face trial on corruption charges related to her involvement with the Renault-Nissan group. This comes shortly after her unsuccessful bid for the Paris mayoral position.

## Charges and Allegations

Dati, who served as a European Parliament member from 2009 to 2013, is accused of accepting €900,000 in legal fees from a Renault-Nissan subsidiary based in the Netherlands. Prosecutors allege these payments were for lobbying activities disguised as legal services. If found guilty, Dati could face up to 10 years in prison, a €450,000 fine, and a five-year ban from public office.

## Legal Defense

Dati's legal team argues that she provided legitimate legal services and denies any influence peddling. They claim the prosecution's case is based on a flawed interpretation of her activities.

## Co-Defendant Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn, the former Renault-Nissan chief, is also implicated in the case but will be tried in absentia. Ghosn, who fled Japan in 2019 after facing financial misconduct charges, remains in Lebanon. He has denied all allegations and expressed willingness to participate in the trial via video link.

## Additional Investigations

Dati is also under scrutiny for allegedly receiving undeclared payments from energy company GDF Suez and failing to declare valuable items upon assuming ministerial duties. She has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these matters.

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