Jacques Chirac corruption trial taking place in Paris
A court trial against the former French President Jacques Chirac has started in Paris.
He is accused of embezzlement and breach of trust, BELTA reports with a reference to news agencies.
Chirac is accused of using public funds to pay ghost worker salaries to his political allies 'Rally for the Republic Party" when he was mayor from 1977 to 1995. Now the former President is facing up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine for 150 thousand euros.
However, the lawyers consider that the ex-President has a chance to be declared not guilty as the main accuser - Paris Mayor's Office - agreed to withdraw all accusations after Chirac and the leading party "Popular Movement" had compensated the money spent on ghost salaries to the budget.
