French politician and former minister Rachida Dati faced sharp questioning from civil parties on September 24, 2026, at the Paris Judicial Court during her ongoing corruption and trafic d’influence trial alongside former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. According to RTL, the proceedings focused on funds received by Dati from the automaker while she served as a Member of the European Parliament, with the French Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) alleging she performed illegal lobbying rather than genuine legal work.
Clash with Renault Counsel over Legal Work and Personal Attacks
The courtroom atmosphere grew tense as attorney Kami Haeri, representing civil party Renault, questioned Rachida Dati about the substance of her advisory missions regarding factories and corporate projects in Morocco, Iran, and Turkey. According to RTL reporting, Dati pushed back against the line of questioning by confronting Haeri directly. “You targeted me and my daughter with a series of racist and sexist tweets three years ago, I think you have a score to settle with me,” Dati stated during the hearing. Haeri defended his past actions as a humorous tweet, while expressing regret that Dati sought to personalize the debate. Later in the session, as lawyer Philippe Goossens questioned the necessity of her diplomatic meetings, Dati retorted, “I know you want to reduce my work as a lawyer to nothing, we drink tea between Arabs and that’s it. I know how to read, I know how to write, I am a lawyer and I am French.” The presiding judge intervened to calm the courtroom and ensure the focus remained on the corruption charges.
Prosecution Allegations and Defense Rebuttals
The PNF maintains that Dati utilized a consulting contract with Renault-Nissan as a cover to lobby EU institutions between October 2009 and February 2013. Throughout the hearings documented by RTL, prosecutors and civil party lawyers—including Anticor attorney Claire Josserand-Schmidt—highlighted a lack of written evidence, memos, or advisory notes documenting legal work for the automaker. Dati defended her record by detailing meetings with foreign ambassadors, insisting her advisory duties were collaborative and appropriate for the geopolitical and industrial risks facing Renault at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rachida Dati on trial?
Rachida Dati is on trial at the Paris Judicial Court alongside former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn on charges of corruption and trafic d’influence relating to funds paid to her by the automaker while she was an MEP.
What does the prosecution allege?
The French Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) alleges that Dati used her consulting contract to conduct illegal lobbying within the European Parliament on behalf of Renault-Nissan rather than performing legitimate legal advisory services.
How has Dati responded to the charges?
Dati has consistently and firmly denied the allegations, arguing that her advisory missions involving international markets such as Morocco, Iran, and Turkey were legitimate and distinct from her parliamentary mandate.